Perpetual — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adjective /pər-ˈpe-chə-wəl/ per·pet·u·al

Meaning & Definition of Perpetual

Perpetual (adjective)

  1. continuing forever, everlasting
  2. valid for all time
  3. holding something (such as an office) for life or for an unlimited time

Perpetual (adjective) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. going on and on without any interruptions

    "the perpetual rise and fall of the sea"

    similar: ceaseless, continual, continued, continuing, continuous, incessant, nonstop, running, unbroken, unceasing, uninterrupted, unremitting
    related: dateless, deathless, endless, eternal, everlasting, immortal, interminable, permanent, undying, unending, changeless, constant, stable, steady, unchanging, unvarying, durable, enduring, lasting, persistent, imperishable, indestructible
    opposite: discontinuous, noncontinuous
    near: intermittent, periodic, periodical, recurrent, recurring, alternate, alternating, cyclic, rhythmic, seasonal, serial, erratic, fitful, irregular, occasional, spasmodic, sporadic, spotty, unsteady

  2. having an existence or validity that does not change or diminish

    "freedom of religion is a perpetual right that is guaranteed by the nation's constitution"

    similar: abiding, ageless, continuing, dateless, enduring, eternal, everlasting, immortal, imperishable, lasting, ongoing, perennial, timeless, undying
    related: ceaseless, endless, permanent, changeless, constant, stable, stationary, steady, unchanging, unvarying
    near: antiquated, archaic, dated, obsolete, outdated, outmoded, out-of-date, outworn, passé

  3. lasting forever

    "an immature jerk who seemed to be in a state of perpetual adolescence"

    similar: ceaseless, dateless, deathless, endless, eternal, everlasting, immortal, permanent, 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

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Perpetual

The most common words with a similar meaning to Perpetual:

ceaseless, continual, continued, continuing, continuous, incessant, nonstop, running, unbroken, unceasing, uninterrupted, unremitting, abiding, ageless, dateless, enduring, eternal, everlasting, immortal, imperishable, lasting, ongoing, perennial, timeless, undying, deathless, endless, permanent, unending

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Perpetual

Words with the opposite meaning of Perpetual:

discontinuous, noncontinuous, impermanent, mortal, temporary, transient

Related Words for Perpetual

interminable, changeless, constant, stable, steady, unchanging, unvarying, durable, persistent, indestructible, stationary, long-lived, stubborn, indefeasible, indefectible, indelible, indissoluble, inexpungible, standing, steadfast, unfailing, unfaltering

Near Antonyms of Perpetual

intermittent, periodic, periodical, recurrent, recurring, alternate, alternating, cyclic, rhythmic, seasonal, serial, erratic, fitful, irregular, occasional, spasmodic, sporadic, spotty, unsteady, antiquated, archaic, dated, obsolete, outdated, outmoded, out-of-date, outworn, passé, ephemeral, evanescent

Origin & Etymology of Perpetual

Middle English perpetuel, from Anglo-French, from Latin perpetuus uninterrupted, from per- through + petere to go to feather

First known use: 14th century

Words & Phrases Containing Perpetual

perpetual calendar, perpetual check

Frequently Asked Questions about Perpetual

What does "Perpetual" mean?

"Perpetual" means continuing forever, everlasting. As an adjective, it is defined as: continuing forever, everlasting. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Perpetual"?

Other words for "Perpetual" include ceaseless, continual, continued, continuing, continuous, incessant, nonstop and running. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Perpetual" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Perpetual"?

There are 51 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Perpetual". Common alternatives include ceaseless, continual, continued, continuing, continuous, incessant, nonstop, running, unbroken and unceasing.

What is the opposite of "Perpetual"?

Antonyms of "Perpetual" include discontinuous, noncontinuous, impermanent, mortal, temporary and transient. Near antonyms include intermittent, periodic, periodical and recurrent.

How do you use "Perpetual" in a sentence?

Examples of "Perpetual" in a sentence: "the perpetual rise and fall of the sea"; "freedom of religion is a perpetual right that is guaranteed by the nation's constitution"; "an immature jerk who seemed to be in a state of perpetual adolescence".

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

"Perpetual" is an adjective.

How do you pronounce "Perpetual"?

"Perpetual" is pronounced /pər-ˈpe-chə-wəl/ and divided into syllables as per·pet·u·al.

What is the origin of the word "Perpetual"?

"Perpetual" comes from Middle English perpetuel, from Anglo-French, from Latin perpetuus uninterrupted, from per- through + petere to go to feather. First known use: 14th century.