Synonym Chooser

How does the verb continue differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of continue are abide, endure, last, and persist. While all these words mean "to exist over a period of time or indefinitely," continue applies to a process going on without ending.

the search for peace will continue

When might abide be a better fit than continue?

While the synonyms abide and continue are close in meaning, abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability.

a love that abides through 40 years of marriage

When could endure be used to replace continue?

Although the words endure and continue have much in common, endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies.

in spite of everything, her faith endured

When is it sensible to use last instead of continue?

The words last and continue can be used in similar contexts, but last, especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected.

buy shoes that will last

In what contexts can persist take the place of continue?

The synonyms persist and continue are sometimes interchangeable, but persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness.

the sense of guilt persisted

Examples 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 continue The hashtag is circulating in Iran after the 25-year-old woman disappeared in Tehran after being taken into custody by police, raising concerns about her treatment as the country continues to crack down on women who defy mandatory hijab laws. Hannah Peart, NBC News, 14 Nov. 2024 Critics of the deal have cited concerns about the intentions of Nippon Steel regarding continuing domestic production, particularly in blast furnaces. David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 2024 Advertisement Early voting continues Monday at voting centers throughout the state, and on Tuesday, voters can cast their ballots in person at hundreds of polling locations. Grace Toohey, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2024 More:Israel strikes Gaza and Lebanon as violence continues The two organizations are at the helm of a campaign to vaccinate children against polio after the paralyzing disease, long-eliminated in the U.S. and other parts of the world, reemerged amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA TODAY, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for continue 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for continue
Verb
  • Nonetheless, high prices remain a concern, with consumers saying lower prices was their top wish for the new year.
    Lucia Mutikani, USA TODAY, 28 Nov. 2024
  • Despite the challenges ahead, Peters remains optimistic about the BOP’s future.
    Walter Pavlo, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • Students are able to return to their dorms and campus dining will resume standard operations starting at 4:30 p.m.
    Leo Bertucci, The Courier-Journal, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Earlier this year, Jin and J-Hope separately finished their service obligations, and full-band activities are expected to resume in 2025.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 21 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • While markets have rallied following the election, the risk of inflation persists amid threats of tariffs and deportation policies.
    Trefis Team, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Heavy rain and snow will persist for parts of Northern California through Friday as the soaking weather gets a fresh jolt of atmospheric energy from a new storm to keep it churning.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN, 20 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • When Freedman stepped away from the gallery, Fitzpatrick paused his gallery’s programming just a few months before the pandemic, reopening at his most recent Paris location in 2020.
    Maximilíano Durón, ARTnews.com, 5 Nov. 2024
  • Kentucky crews also reopened the I-471 northbound entrance and exit ramps shortly after.
    Bebe Hodges, The Enquirer, 3 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • But rest assured that the sandals are supremely well built and will last for years.
    The Editors, Outside Online, 18 Nov. 2024
  • The beginning of the first shooting video in one X post captured what sounded like one shot after another initially, until seconds later there was a steady stream of gunfire that appeared to come from multiple guns lasting several minutes.
    Marquise Francis, NBC News, 12 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • In 2024, after restarting the project, the bureau inexplicably revised the forest’s age to 90 years.
    April Ehrlich, ProPublica, 12 Nov. 2024
  • Advertisement The contract’s ratification on the eve of election day clears the way for a major U.S. manufacturer and government contractor to restart Pacific Northwest assembly lines that the factory worker walkouts had idled for 53 days.
    David Koenig, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near continue

Cite this Entry

“Continue.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/continue. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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