permanent 1 of 2

adjective

ˈpər-mə-nənt How to pronounce permanent (audio)
Definition of permanentnext
as in eternal
lasting forever a temporary compromise has been accepted until a more permanent solution can be agreed upon

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

permanent

2 of 2

noun

as in perm

Related Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective permanent contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of permanent are durable, lasting, and stable. While all these words mean "enduring for so long as to seem fixed or established," permanent adds usually the implication of being designed or planned to stand or continue indefinitely.

permanent living arrangements

When is it sensible to use durable instead of permanent?

Although the words durable and permanent have much in common, durable implies power to resist destructive agencies.

durable fabrics

When would lasting be a good substitute for permanent?

The words lasting and permanent can be used in similar contexts, but lasting implies a capacity to continue indefinitely.

a book that left a lasting impression on me

When is stable a more appropriate choice than permanent?

The meanings of stable and permanent largely overlap; however, stable implies lastingness because of resistance to being overturned or displaced.

a stable government

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 permanent
Adjective
What looks like a minor nuisance can quickly damage your vehicle’s clear coat, leaving behind permanent etching if it’s not removed promptly. — Rachel Silva, Martha Stewart, 25 July 2026 Now, Iran’s claim to the strait may be permanent, said Vaez of the International Crisis Group. — Ron Kampeas, The Washington Examiner, 25 July 2026
Noun
While Republicans made the tax cuts for the wealthy permanent, these minor tax cuts for a few ordinary Americans are short-lived. — Tom Zirpoli, Baltimore Sun, 8 July 2025 If hotness is an effort to make the ephemeral permanent, then illness is a constant reminder of how nothing is forever. — Michelle Santiago Cortés, refinery29.com, 26 June 2021 See All Example Sentences for permanent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for permanent
  1. eternal
  2. perm
  3. immortal
  4. conk
  5. endless
  6. haircut
  7. perpetual
  8. hairstyle
Adjective
  • That evening would exist forever, suspended, discrete and complete, in the eternal present of time and space.
    — Sheila Heti, New Yorker, 26 July 2026
  • Of course, the eternal It-girl left no shortage of looks to obsess over—even Bella Hadid and Olivia Rodrigo are not immune to the Birkin effect.
    — Olivia Allen, Vogue, 21 July 2026
Definition of eternal
Noun
  • Between the football, the success and the fashionable perm, that was the kind of popularity that Machtig Maus (Mighty Mouse) had.
    — James Pearce, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • Randall got her first perm at seven years old and consistently relaxed her hair for nearly five decades.
    — Annie Blay-Tettey, Allure, 29 May 2026
Definition of perm
Adjective
  • Charlize Theron, portraying the immortal nymph Calypso, offered perhaps the most understated interpretation of method dressing.
    — Alex Badia, Footwear News, 21 July 2026
  • Greek mythology is riddled with humans who become immortal, many as punishment for tangling with the gods.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 21 July 2026
Definition of immortal
Noun
  • Breaking off and removing the growths — known as conks — keeps fungal spores from spreading to other nearby palms.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 18 July 2026
  • The conk, the afro… and the jheri curl.
    — Sonari Glinton, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026
Definition of conk
Adjective
  • The healthiest version of the creator economy shouldn’t leave people in endless one-way communication.
    — Belonging Forum, Forbes.com, 22 July 2026
  • There was just an endless stream of popular people and brands blasting popular things into your eyeballs and eardrums.
    — Henry Bushnell, New York Times, 21 July 2026
Definition of endless
Noun
  • The mom-of-three—who shares daughters Rumer, Scout, and Tallulah with ex-husband Bruce Willis—also played beauty chameleon, swapping out her long straight black hair for a lob haircut on the red carpet.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 25 July 2026
  • The medium-length haircut features long curtain bangs that frame her face.
    — Catherine Santino, PEOPLE, 21 July 2026
Definition of haircut
Adjective
  • From Luanda, Angola, to Kingston, Jamaica, the global majority are stuck in perpetual debt.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 July 2026
  • The overseas equity perps were in the spotlight ahead of the SpaceX IPO with international platforms like Hyperliquid offering perpetual futures in the Elon Musk space company ahead of its official debut.
    — Yun Li, CNBC, 27 July 2026
Definition of perpetual
Noun
  • This long bob with an undercut is stunning and dramatic enough to add new life to your hairstyle.
    — Emma Ashe, Southern Living, 26 July 2026
  • From a young age, Coogle says her daughter grew up knowing the two families were connected by her and her twin sister — and that’s one thing, unlike a hairstyle, that’s never changed over the years.
    — Wendy Grossman Kantor, PEOPLE, 26 July 2026
Definition of hairstyle

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Cite this Entry

“Permanent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/permanent. Accessed 31 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of permanent for Spanish Speakers

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