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

Relevance

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 The Omega Block is forecast to persist through the weekend before conditions normalize next week. —

Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 14 May 2026 But with just one month before the tournament kicks off, the falling prices suggest a mismatch persists between what many fans are willing to pay and the markup ticket brokers are hoping to capture. —

Rob Wile, NBC news, 14 May 2026 Ovarian cysts, meanwhile, are follicles that persist or grow when the normal ovulation process is disrupted. —

Jenna Anderson, Health, 13 May 2026 Runstudio | The Image Bank | Getty Images In an increasingly bifurcated economy, this divergence is likely to persist, according to Christian Floro, market strategist at Principal Asset Management. —

Jessica Dickler, CNBC, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for persist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persist

Verb

Trebucq is proud of Limaye's resilience to persevere.

— Leondra Head, CBS News, 12 May 2026
The firm said that while there are headwinds from the Iran war, the company's recent earnings report shows Baker Hughes has the chops to persevere.

— Michael Bloom, CNBC, 9 May 2026