persist

verb

per·​sist pər-ˈsist How to pronounce persist (audio) -ˈzist How to pronounce persist (audio)
persisted; persisting; persists
Synonyms of persist

intransitive verb

1
: to go on resolutely or stubbornly in spite of opposition, importunity, or warning
2
obsolete : to remain unchanged or fixed in a specified character, condition, or position
3
: to be insistent in the repetition or pressing of an utterance (such as a question or an opinion)
4
: to continue to exist especially past a usual, expected, or normal time
persister noun

Synonyms of persist

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continue, last, endure, abide, persist mean to exist over a period of time or indefinitely.

continue applies to a process going on without ending.

the search for peace will continue

last, especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected.

buy shoes that will last

endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies.

in spite of everything, her faith endured

abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability.

a love that abides through 40 years of marriage

persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness.

the sense of guilt persisted

Examples of persist in a Sentence

She had turned him down for a date before, but he persisted and asked her again. The reporter persisted with his questioning. If you persist with this behavior, you will be punished. Must you persist in making that noise? If the pain persists, see a doctor. Doubts about the defendant's story have persisted for some time now. Rumors persist that they are dating.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
If the North had lost, the institution of slavery would have persisted across much of the planet. — David Frum, The Atlantic, 8 July 2026 Every organization has processes that persist out of habit rather than value. — Nick Heddy, Forbes.com, 8 July 2026 And yet despite paying city taxes and BID fees, Moreno said, problems persist and his customers fear for their safety. — Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026 Food deserts persist in areas that researchers define as low-income neighborhoods without access to a full-service grocery store or supermarket. — Catherine Muccigrosso july 8, Charlotte Observer, 8 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for persist

Word History

Etymology

Middle French persister, from Latin persistere, from per- + sistere to take a stand, stand firm; akin to Latin stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

1531, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of persist was in 1531

Rhymes for persist

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Browse Nearby Words

Persis
persist
persistence
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Cite this Entry

“Persist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persist. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

persist

verb
per·​sist pər-ˈsist How to pronounce persist (audio) -ˈzist How to pronounce persist (audio)
1
: to continue to do something in spite of opposition, warnings, or pleas : persevere
2
: to last on and on : continue to exist
persister noun

More from Merriam-Webster on persist

Nglish: Translation of persist for Spanish Speakers

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