perpetual

modif.

1. Never stopping

   continuous, unceasing, constant, ceaseless, never-ceasing, incessant, permanent, lasting, perennial, uninterrupted, eternal, endless, everlasting, interminable, unremitting, enduring, continued, without end, imperishable, undying, immortal, sempiternal; see also eternal 2.

   Antonyms short*, transitory*, fleeting. *

2. Continually repeating

   incessant, repetitious, continual, recurring, repeating, recurrent, intermittent, going on and on, persistent, returning, annual; see also constant 1, regular 3.

perpetual applies to that which lasts or persists for an indefinitely long time a perpetual nuisance; continual applies to that which recurs repeatedly or goes on unceasingly over a long period of time continual arguments, continual rain; continuous applies to that which extends without interruption in either space or time a continuous expanse, a continuous flow of traffic; constant stresses uniformity, steadiness, or regularity in occurrence or recurrence the constant beat of the heart; incessant implies unceasing or uninterrupted activity incessant chatter; eternal stresses endlessness or timelessness the eternal verities