Synonym Chooser

How is the word incessant different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of incessant are constant, continual, continuous, perennial, and perpetual. While all these words mean "characterized by continued occurrence or recurrence," incessant implies ceaseless or uninterrupted activity.

annoyed by the incessant quarreling

When can constant be used instead of incessant?

In some situations, the words constant and incessant are roughly equivalent. However, constant implies uniform or persistent occurrence or recurrence.

lived in constant pain

When could continual be used to replace incessant?

The words continual and incessant are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, continual often implies a close prolonged succession or recurrence.

continual showers the whole weekend

When is it sensible to use continuous instead of incessant?

Although the words continuous and incessant have much in common, continuous usually implies an uninterrupted flow or spatial extension.

football's oldest continuous rivalry

Where would perennial be a reasonable alternative to incessant?

While the synonyms perennial and incessant are close in meaning, perennial implies enduring existence often through constant renewal.

a perennial source of controversy

When would perpetual be a good substitute for incessant?

The words perpetual and incessant can be used in similar contexts, but perpetual suggests unfailing repetition or lasting duration.

a land of perpetual snowfall

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of incessant During his first term, an incessant stream of social media posts, surprise announcements and often-bizarre controversies became the norm. Niall Stanage, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025 Despite the numerous types of meditation, just hearing (or reading) the word often conjures up an image of sitting painstakingly (and quite possibly painfully) still for an hour or two, begging your mind to stop rattling off your incessant to-do list and just be still. Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 11 Jan. 2025 Israel responded with an incessant, large-scale military campaign. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025 Empathy and agility help to combat these incessant ailments. Dan Pontefract, Forbes, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for incessant 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for incessant
Adjective
  • Throughout his first term from 2017 to 2021, Trump faced continuous criticism for his frequent golf trips.
    Barbara A. Perry, Newsweek, 28 Jan. 2025
  • With Soderbergh operating the camera in continuous takes to create the perspective of the spirit, Sullivan admits that the unconventional camera setup put him through his paces at first.
    Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 27 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • Fans, as usual, suffer from the delusion that someone else should pay for their football club and subsidise its continual losses.
    Jack Lang, The Athletic, 24 Jan. 2025
  • These medications can take a few days to work and their strongest effects usually kick in after one to two weeks of continual use.
    Angelica Bottaro, Verywell Health, 23 Jan. 2025
Adjective
  • By conducting regular maintenance and upgrades, NASA ensures the smooth functioning and continued viability of the ISS, which remains at the heart of global space research efforts.
    Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 3 Feb. 2025
  • The Portuguese’s persistence with his preferred 3-4-3 formation will again be subject to debate after this result, but a more troubling issue can be found in his continued selection of Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot as wing-backs.
    Carl Anka, The Athletic, 3 Feb. 2025
Adjective
  • State of the labor market Initial weekly unemployment insurance claims have held in a fairly steady range around 220,000, though continuing claims earlier in November had hit their highest level in about three years.
    Jeff Cox, CNBC, 5 Dec. 2024
  • What’s your advice for staying in the game so long and continuing adventures late into life?
    Corey Buhay, Outside Online, 26 Sep. 2024
Adjective
  • Courtesy of Flo/Unsplash Italy In addition to Jubilee hot spot Rome, six other Italian gateways will enjoy new nonstop service from the United States this year.
    Barbara Peterson, AFAR Media, 28 Jan. 2025
  • San Jose International Airport reported recently that two airlines – Southwest and Delta – have decided to provide new nonstop services that will connect San Jose to Las Vegas, Detroit and Baltimore.
    George Avalos, The Mercury News, 27 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near incessant

Cite this Entry

“Incessant.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/incessant. Accessed 8 Feb. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on incessant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!