Repetitive Synonyms | Uses & Example Sentences

Repetitive is an adjective that means “characterized by repetition” or “tediously repeating.”

Some synonyms for repetitive are:

  • Repetitious
  • Repeated
  • Reiterative
  • Continual
  • Constant
  • Duplicative
  • Ceaseless
  • Monotonous
  • Tedious
  • Dull
  • Uninteresting
  • Boring
  • Insistent
  • Verbose

Synonyms for repetitive

Some synonyms for repetitive meaning “characterized by repetition” are stronger matches than others. For example, “repetitious” shares the same meaning as repetitive.

However, “ceaseless” implies never-ending repetition, making it a less precise substitute for repetitive in certain contexts.

Synonyms for repetitive meaning “characterized by repetition”
Match Synonym Repetitive example Synonym example
Strongest Repetitious Polysyndeton is a rhetorical device that uses repetitive coordinating conjunctions. Polysyndeton is a rhetorical device that uses repetitious coordinating conjunctions.
Repeated Alliteration employs repetitive consonants at the beginning of words. Alliteration employs repeated consonants at the beginning of words.
Reiterative Epistrophe is the repetitive use of a word at the end of successive lines or sentences. Epistrophe is the reiterative use of a word at the end of successive lines or sentences.
Strong Continual This process is repetitive, but it’s necessary for quality control. This process is continual, but it’s necessary for quality control.
Constant The machine’s repetitive motion ensured uniform production. The machine’s constant motion ensured uniform production.
Weak Duplicative This appears to be a repetitive request. This appears to be a duplicative request.
Ceaseless There’s a faint, repetitive beeping in this room. There’s a faint, ceaseless beeping in this room.

The definition “tediously repeating” represents both the denotation (the act of repeating) and a common connotation (tedium) of repetitive.

Synonyms for this meaning also vary in match strength. “Monotonous” or “tedious” are generally good replacements for repetitive. On the other hand, “verbose” is less appropriate as a synonym since it specifically refers to using more words than necessary.

QuillBot’s Grammar Checker can make sure you’re using repetitive and its synonyms correctly.

Synonyms for repetitive meaning “tediously repeating”
Match Synonym Repetitive example Synonym example
Strongest Monotonous With lyrics this repetitive, the song might as well not have any. With lyrics this monotonous, the song might as well not have any.
Tedious His work requires a lot of repetitive labor, but he gets paid well. His work requires a lot of tedious labor, but he gets paid well.
Strong Dull The speaker’s repetitive explanations frustrated the audience. The speaker’s dull explanations frustrated the audience.
Uninteresting My routine is so repetitive; every day feels the same. My routine is so uninteresting; every day feels the same.
Boring The repetitive nature of her job is making her consider a change. The boring nature of her job is making her consider a change.
Weak Insistent The repetitive buzz of my roommate’s alarm clock constantly wakes me up. The insistent buzz of my roommate’s alarm clock constantly wakes me up.
Verbose The dialogue in this book was so repetitive that I couldn’t relate to the characters. The dialogue in this book was so verbose that I couldn’t relate to the characters.

Frequently asked questions about repetitive synonyms

What’s the meaning of repetitive?

Repetitive is an adjective meaning “characterized by repetition” or “tediously repeating.” The first meaning is neutral, while the second meaning has a negative connotation.

For example:

  • Alliteration uses repetitive sounds at the start of words.
  • My repetitive daily routine is so boring.

A few synonyms for repetitive are “repetitious,” “repeated,” “monotonous,” and “tedious.”

A QuillBot grammar check can make sure you use this word correctly in your writing.

What’s a synonym for repeatedly?

Some synonyms for the adverb “repeatedly” are:

QuillBot’s free Paraphraser can help you find more synonyms for “repeatedly” or synonyms for repetitive, the adjective form.

What’s a synonym for repetition?

Synonyms for the noun “repetition” include:

  • Recurrence
  • Iteration
  • Redundancy
  • Reiteration
  • Replication
  • Restatement
  • Duplication

QuillBot’s free paraphrasing tool can help you find more synonyms for “repetition” or synonyms for repetitive, its adjective form.

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Kate Santoro, BS

Kate has a BS in journalism. She has taught English as a second language in Spain to students of all ages for a decade. She also has experience in content management and marketing.