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

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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

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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 Yet under this administration, deficits persist, shortfalls continue, the state’s credit outlook has weakened and costs are increasingly passed down to families through higher taxes and fees. —

J.b. Jennings, Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2026 The crisis has forced families to rely on bottled water and gas heaters as freezing temperatures persist. —

Kati Weis, CBS News, 4 Feb. 2026 Still, hopeful parents persist. —

Will Gottsegen, The Atlantic, 4 Feb. 2026 As Williams unveiled the new livery of its FW48 car on Tuesday, intrigue surrounding the team persisted. —

Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 4 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for persist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persist

Verb

Yet America’s workers have persevered and figured out ways to prosper.

— Editorial Board, Washington Post, 6 Feb. 2026
But through it all, Annett persevered.

— Dan Albano, Oc Register, 6 Feb. 2026

Definition of persevere

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“Persist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persist. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 12 Feb 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of persist

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