permanent 1 of 2

Definition of permanentnext

permanent

2 of 2

noun

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

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
Other teams also want new stadiums, including the Chicago White Sox, who have unveiled plans for a new downtown ballpark, and women’s soccer team the Chicago Stars, which needs a permanent home after its lease at SeatGeek Stadium in suburban Bridgeview expired. Brian J. Rogal, Chicago Tribune, 27 Apr. 2026 But a permanent settlement remains elusive in the war that has killed thousands of people. Samy Magdy, Fortune, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
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 There is always a temptation to make the temporary permanent, which is why the peace government must prioritize elections. Ashraf Ghani, Foreign Affairs, 4 May 2021 See All Example Sentences for permanent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for permanent
Adjective
  • Expanding urbanization and the use of traditional lighting of buildings, highways and residential neighborhoods are blinding us to an eternal beauty.
    Ernie Cowan, San Diego Union-Tribune, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Yet there is nothing eternal or canonical or irreversible about this system.
    Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 23 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • This time, my eyes slid to the fresh silver polish on her fingernails, her cascading perm thick but without any undergrowth, and those eyes darting from me to the cop, glistening as if on the verge of pouring.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 27 Mar. 2026
  • For those wanting even more body, Destin says a modern perm can help add long-lasting texture to fine hair.
    Amanda Le, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • The Interview With The Vampire series, based on the late Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles books, has been retitled for the third season, as Reid’s character looks to reclaim his centuries-old story as an immortal, yet turbulent rock star.
    Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 22 Apr. 2026
  • Somehow, though, the Royals outdid themselves Monday night with a nauseating defeat — one that conjured the immortal wisdom of former Royals manager Buddy Bell.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The conk, the afro… and the jheri curl.
    Sonari Glinton, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026
  • On the way to the conk pad, Mike runs over the f–ing show!
    Jim Ryan, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
Adjective
  • Boullet’s Poe is, unfortunately, even worse, just the latest in an apparently endless string of prestige cable teens who exist only to be placed in inopportune jeopardy.
    Daniel Fienberg, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Pierre’s Jewish identity is heavily emphasized through what Claude calls his endless stock of stories.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • To close out a busy Day 2, the Steelers selected a mauling guard with a mullet, who will come to a city where that haircut never went out of style.
    Mike DeFabo, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • MySpace, which launched 2003, ushered in a joyous time for social media, where users discovered their favorite new band and debuted their angular new haircut for their friends.
    Peter White, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • No combination of stilettos and old-fashioned shoe-leather can temper the fact that integrity, talent, hard work, and a dedication to treating everything from fashion to the moving pictures with seriousness is in perpetual danger of extinction.
    David Fear, Rolling Stone, 29 Apr. 2026
  • The app began as an aggregator for perpetual futures, a form of derivative popular among crypto traders.
    Jack Kubinec, Fortune, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Gravity-defying hairstyles The eye-catching work of Elisabeth Anayes Niouky is turning heads and inspiring African women to embrace their natural hair.
    Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Ed Sheeran debuted his new look on Instagram on April 28, showing off his new hairstyle, or lack thereof.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Permanent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/permanent. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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