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Definition of persistnext

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 Still, there was at least a bit of anxiety on the Baylor side Thursday that would persist until Lagway had officially signed. Sam Khan Jr, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2026 The mixed report strengthened the view that the Federal Reserve will hold rates steady at its January meeting, while leaving the door open to cuts later in 2026 if labor market softness persists. Benzinga, Freep.com, 10 Jan. 2026 Those type of medical conditions can persist or last a long time, maybe even forever. Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026 And yet, the rumors have persisted. Stylecaster Editors, StyleCaster, 10 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for persist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persist
Verb
  • Despite projections that they’d be extinct by 2021, the vaquita is persevering.
    Ryan Green, Scientific American, 6 Nov. 2025
  • Yamamoto volunteered to pitch and was warming up as Klein – who hadn’t pitched in a game in a month and never more than two innings in any MLB game – persevered through a fourth inning of relief in the 18th.
    Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Two of the monkeys had applauded the event with hopping and grunts, but the other three had shot like arrows into the trees, chasing after the peculiar bird that had remained indifferent to their antics.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 12 Jan. 2026
  • While challenges remain for buyers and sellers, housing experts say the market is beginning to stabilize.
    Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 12 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • As new products and innovations hit the market and her solo travels continue, she's curated quite the arsenal of safety devices and accessories.
    Stephanie Gray, Travel + Leisure, 11 Jan. 2026
  • Tensions mount in Minneapolis Hundreds of people took to the streets of Minneapolis to protest within hours of Good’s death and demonstrations have continued to swell in the ensuing days.
    Michael Loria, USA Today, 11 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Act fast to shop Amazon’s current hottest deals because prices aren’t guaranteed to last through the month.
    Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Update your emergency kit and be sure to include enough food and water to last for 3 days for each person in your home.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 10 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Persist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persist. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on persist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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