Permanent — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective noun /ˈpər-mə-nənt/ per·ma·nent

Meaning & Definition of Permanent

Permanent (adjective)

  1. continuing or enduring without fundamental or marked change, stable
  2. not easily removed, washed away, or erased, indelible
  3. making marks that cannot easily be removed, indelible

Permanent (noun)

  1. a long-lasting hair wave produced by mechanical and chemical means —called also permanent wave

Permanent (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. lasting forever

    "a temporary compromise has been accepted until a more permanent solution can be agreed upon"

    similar: ceaseless, dateless, deathless, endless, eternal, everlasting, immortal, perpetual, undying, unending
    related: durable, enduring, lasting, long-lived, persistent, stubborn, imperishable, indefeasible, indefectible, indelible, indestructible, indissoluble, inexpungible, timeless, abiding, stable, standing, steadfast, steady, unfailing, unfaltering, continual, continuing, continuous, incessant, unbroken, unceasing, uninterrupted, unremitting
    opposite: impermanent, mortal, temporary, transient
    near: ephemeral, evanescent, fleeting, fugacious, fugitive, momentary, passing, short-lived, transitory, interim, provisional, short-term

Permanent (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in perm, conk

    similar: conk, perm, coiffure, cut, do, haircut, hairdo, hairstyle, beehive, big hair, bun, chignon, French twist, pageboy, pug, updo, upsweep, bob, buzz cut, crew cut, crop, fade, Mohawk, shag, shingle, trim, braid, pigtail, plait, ponytail, queue, comb-over, ducktail, pompadour, roach

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Permanent

The most common words with a similar meaning to Permanent:

ceaseless, dateless, deathless, endless, eternal, everlasting, immortal, perpetual, undying, unending, conk, perm, coiffure, cut, do, haircut, hairdo, hairstyle, beehive, big hair, bun, chignon, French twist, pageboy, pug, updo, upsweep, bob, buzz cut, crew cut, crop, fade, Mohawk, shag, shingle, trim, braid, pigtail, plait, ponytail

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Permanent

Words with the opposite meaning of Permanent:

impermanent, mortal, temporary, transient

Related Words for Permanent

durable, enduring, lasting, long-lived, persistent, stubborn, imperishable, indefeasible, indefectible, indelible, indestructible, indissoluble, inexpungible, timeless, abiding, stable, standing, steadfast, steady, unfailing, unfaltering, continual, continuing, continuous, incessant, unbroken, unceasing, uninterrupted, unremitting

Near Antonyms of Permanent

ephemeral, evanescent, fleeting, fugacious, fugitive, momentary, passing, short-lived, transitory, interim, provisional, short-term

Word Forms of Permanent

Derived words: permanentness (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Permanent

Middle English, from Anglo-French parmanant, from Latin permanent-, permanens, present participle of permanēre to endure, from per- throughout + manēre to remain per-, mansion

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Permanent

Words & Phrases Containing Permanent

permanent magnet, permanent press, permanent tissue, permanent tooth

Frequently Asked Questions about Permanent

What does "Permanent" mean?

"Permanent" means continuing or enduring without fundamental or marked change, stable. As an an adjective and a noun, it is defined as: continuing or enduring without fundamental or marked change, stable. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Permanent"?

Other words for "Permanent" include ceaseless, dateless, deathless, endless, eternal, everlasting, immortal and perpetual. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Permanent" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Permanent"?

There are 74 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Permanent". Common alternatives include ceaseless, dateless, deathless, endless, eternal, everlasting, immortal, perpetual, undying and unending.

What is the opposite of "Permanent"?

Antonyms of "Permanent" include impermanent, mortal, temporary and transient. Near antonyms include ephemeral, evanescent, fleeting and fugacious.

How do you use "Permanent" in a sentence?

Examples of "Permanent" in a sentence: "a temporary compromise has been accepted until a more permanent solution can be agreed upon".

Is "Permanent" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Permanent" can be used as an adjective and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Permanent" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Permanent" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Permanent"?

"Permanent" is pronounced /ˈpər-mə-nənt/ and divided into syllables as per·ma·nent.