as in insistent
continuing despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement
although his first attempts were singularly unsuccessful, he was persistent in his pursuit of a career in rock music
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of persistent
Well, on Saturday, a persistent squirrel halted Bristol City’s Championship win at Hull City — not once, but twice.
—
Phil Hay, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
But The Fall-Off is symptomatic of a persistent quality that haunts his work.
—Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 9 Feb. 2026
Findings by consumer researchers Rebecca Hamilton and Rebecca Ratner can help explain why this bias is so persistent.
—Peter McGraw, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2026
Signs that a neti pot may be dirty or causing issues for another reason include persistent nasal irritation, worsening congestion, frequent nosebleeds or the development of sinus infections.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persistent
Phil Hay, New York Times, 9 Feb. 2026
But The Fall-Off is symptomatic of a persistent quality that haunts his work.
—Mosi Reeves, Rolling Stone, 9 Feb. 2026
Findings by consumer researchers Rebecca Hamilton and Rebecca Ratner can help explain why this bias is so persistent.
—Peter McGraw, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2026
Signs that a neti pot may be dirty or causing issues for another reason include persistent nasal irritation, worsening congestion, frequent nosebleeds or the development of sinus infections.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for persistent
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persistent
Adjective
-
The Royals were insistent on getting some outfield help.—
Jaylon Thompson,
Kansas City Star,
7 Feb. 2026
-
So far, that information isn’t being provided (the first lady was insistent on a theatrical push around the globe).—
Pamela McClintock,
HollywoodReporter,
1 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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If that doesn’t solve the problem, try scrubbing stubborn spots with Bar Keeper’s Friend and a nonabrasive sponge.—
Jessica Elliott,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Feb. 2026
-
Rusk recommends using wash and styling products that don’t contain silicones (like dimethicone), which can cause a stubborn coating to accumulate that clogs follicles on the scalp and prevents the hair from absorbing moisturizing ingredients.—
Rebecca Strong,
USA Today,
10 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Tillis remained resolute in holding up the president’s Fed chair nomination in protest over a Justice Department investigation of the current one.—
Kevin Breuninger,
CNBC,
13 Feb. 2026
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Sports have always represented one of humankind’s most resolute rejections of nihilism.—
Hannah Keyser,
CNN Money,
9 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Hammer Down follows a seasoned long-haul trucker and his tenacious daughter as they’re forced to confront their fractured relationship while transporting a mysterious cargo across the country.—
Jesse Whittock,
Deadline,
6 Feb. 2026
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After all, his whole book makes a strong case for their tenacious utility.—
Margaret Talbot,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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There, Sweetpea puts her dogged investigation skills to use and returns with proof hard enough to save SternTao from ruin.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
6 Feb. 2026
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Everton’s biggest result of the season — December’s 1-0 victory over Chelsea which ended their historic 34-game unbeaten WSL run — was down to resilient and dogged defending.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Fennell teases out the tricky evolution of the characters’ deep bond, from steadfast sibling affection toward a combative, quasi-incestuous desire.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
9 Feb. 2026
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The band remained steadfast in the commitment despite many other acts bowing out.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
8 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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At a moment when residents are struggling more than ever, facing a severe shortage of affordable housing, limited access to Medicaid, and the relentless rise in grocery prices, lawmakers in Tallahassee have chosen instead to advance HB 31 and SB 1106.—
Adam Abutaa,
Sun Sentinel,
8 Feb. 2026
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Still, the tech giant is facing a growing set of challenges, from intensifying competition to lingering concerns of an AI bubble and relentless pressure to demonstrate growth after several explosive quarters.—
Rosa de Acosta,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Meanwhile, be patient during intense discussions with one of your kids or a romantic partner.—
Georgia Nicols,
Denver Post,
5 Feb. 2026
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Turkey has long been a leading destination for cosmetic surgery, and demand has been on the rise, attracting an international patient base from Europe, North America, and beyond.—
Kaitlyn Gomez,
Miami Herald,
5 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Persistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persistent. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
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