persist

verb

pər-ˈsist How to pronounce persist (audio)
Definition of persistnext
1
as in to persevere
to continue despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement she persisted in her efforts and eventually got the job she wanted

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to remain
to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state my headache persisted for almost the entire day

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb persist differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of persist are abide, continue, endure, and last. While all these words mean "to exist over a period of time or indefinitely," persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness.

the sense of guilt persisted

When can abide be used instead of persist?

The meanings of abide and persist largely overlap; however, abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability.

a love that abides through 40 years of marriage

Where would continue be a reasonable alternative to persist?

While the synonyms continue and persist are close in meaning, continue applies to a process going on without ending.

the search for peace will continue

When would endure be a good substitute for persist?

The words endure and persist can be used in similar contexts, but endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies.

in spite of everything, her faith endured

When could last be used to replace persist?

The synonyms last and persist are sometimes interchangeable, but last, especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected.

buy shoes that will last

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 persist The antineutrino signature can even persist for millions of years; detecting a sustained versus a transient antineutrino source will still not be a smoking gun for intelligent aliens. — Big Think, 10 Apr. 2025 The Spanish giants tried and failed to buy him in the January window but their interest persisted. — James Pearce, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2025 If poor conditions persist, additional Ozone Action Days may be issued. — Daniel R. Depetris, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Apr. 2025 Meanwhile, the deflationary pressure in producer prices is likely to persist, given the uncertainties surrounding oil prices and external demand amid ongoing trade tensions, Pang said. — Lim Hui Jie,anniek Bao, CNBC, 10 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for persist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persist
  1. persevere
  2. remain
  3. continue
  4. last
Verb
  • Despite facing social ostracization, death threats, economic hardship and caste prejudice, the family perseveres and ultimately secures a landmark ruling.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 12 Mar. 2025
  • In The Trouble of Color, your family perseveres through intense personal and political struggles.
    — Sara Georgini, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Mar. 2025
Definition of persevere
Verb
  • He is charged with two counts of malicious damage or destruction of property by fire or explosives and will remain in custody pending a detention hearing.
    — Louis Casiano, FOXNews.com, 14 Apr. 2025
  • That means such products imported from China will apparently not be subjected to the 125% tariff U.S. President Donald Trump slapped on Beijing (a 20% tariff will remain).
    — Yeo Boon Ping, CNBC, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of remain
Verb
  • Fallout continues after President Donald Trump's unveiling of severe tariffs against virtually all U.S. trading partners.
    — Alexandra Hutzler, ABC News, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Pika continues to push the boundaries of AI video with tools that blend nostalgia, realism, and personalization.
    — Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of continue
Verb
  • Our customers are drawn to pieces that hold lasting value and significance.
    — Lily Templeton, Footwear News, 14 Apr. 2025
  • The journey is expected to last approximately 10 minutes, per The Associated Press.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
Definition of last

Browse Nearby Words

persiflage
persist
persist (beyond)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Persist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persist. Accessed 17 Apr. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of persist for Spanish Speakers

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