PERSIST Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

persist

verb

pər-ˈsist

Definition of persist next

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

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 In Flint, Michigan, the city activated four cooling centers through Wednesday, with the potential to extend operations if the heat persists. —

ABC News, 29 June 2026 Hot conditions will persist across Texas, with highs near or above seasonal norms, but skies should gradually clear from south to north as the Saharan plume disperses. —

Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 29 June 2026 Sticky, muggy temperatures that persist into the night can pose a major risk to the health of anyone without access to effective cooling or adequate hydration. —

Evgenia Anastasakos, Chicago Tribune, 29 June 2026 Certain behaviors occasionally persisted longer than expected during testing, and some logic interactions could benefit from refinement in future firmware updates. —

Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for persist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persist

Verb

Nonetheless, Hamlin persevered the past two weeks, while Reddick has been snakebitten, having a flat tire in the closing laps at San Diego and then being slowed by a power steering issue Sunday.

— Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 28 June 2026
Still, African entrepreneurs persevere.

— Jeremy Ebobisse, Time, 26 June 2026

Definition of persevere

Verb

Panama is already eliminated from advancing to the knockout round, but is continuing to show some fight here.

— NBC News, NBC news, 28 June 2026
Multiple fans told the Miami Herald that Google Maps and Waze continued routing them toward closed roads/turnpike exits or the apps would fail to even generate a route to Miami Stadium.

— Douglas Hanks, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026

Definition of continue

Verb

Cleveland manager Terry Francona challenged the original safe call at second and got the play overturned after a replay delay that lasted 1 minute, 29 seconds.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
With crushed Fritos, bell peppers, corn, jalapeños, and more, this is a dish that won't last long on the appetizer spread.

— Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026