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 As age-gap relationships persist, despite the think-pieces, so will novels with age-gap relationships. Hattie Williams july 14, Literary Hub, 14 July 2025 Some of the more alarming results included all the models looked at struggling with delusions, which is where a patient harbors a false belief that persists despite clear evidence to the contrary. PC Magazine, 13 July 2025 Within weeks, the phones started to catch fire, and even after swapping in a different battery pack, the issue persisted. ArsTechnica, 11 July 2025 Long term, these struggles are likely to persist, and the economic divide will continue to widen—forcing many to leave in search of higher incomes elsewhere. Suzanne Blake, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for persist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persist
Verb
  • With the odds stacked against them, Regina persevered despite the barriers and struggles set before her.
    Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 19 July 2025
  • Mikey comes out ahead by persevering and utilizing his strengths in proper Leo form.
    Lisa Stardust, People.com, 7 June 2025
Verb
  • Opened by Crista Luedtke over fifteen years ago, boon eat + drink remains one of Guerneville’s essential dinner spots.
    Keyla Vasconcellos, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Sections of the park that will remain open include Funland, the golf course, the pickleball courts, tennis courts, disc golf area (red and blue courses), pavilion rentals and the Arkansas River Trail.
    Daniel McFadin, Arkansas Online, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The massive manhunt continued into Friday evening in the wooded, mountainous area.
    Jenna Sundel Gabe Whisnant, MSNBC Newsweek, 2 Aug. 2025
  • Total shoot days in Los Angeles in the second quarter of this year continued on a downward trend, falling 32 percent against a five-year average and 6 percent from the same quarter last year, FilmLA reported in its quarterly report issued on July 22.
    Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 1 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • But this extraordinary seedbed of talent may not last forever.
    Gabriel Snyder, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 July 2025
  • The darker green color typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks.
    Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 23 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Persist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persist. Accessed 6 Aug. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on persist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!