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

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

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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 Rumors involving a potential trade of De’Aaron Fox are likely to persist for the time being, given Dylan Harper’s remarkable postseason. — Juan Carlos Blanco, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 Certain behaviors occasionally persisted longer than expected during testing, and some logic interactions could benefit from refinement in future firmware updates. — Michael Lydick, PC Magazine, 29 June 2026 Ukraine's strike campaign started out earnestly in 2024 but has significantly intensified this year, helping Ukraine gain momentum in a grueling war of attrition that has persisted for more than four years since Russia's full-scale invasion. — Brittney Melton, NPR, 30 June 2026 According to Global Conflict Tracker, Russia occupies roughly 20% of Ukrainian territory and fighting persists with ongoing Russian missile and drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for persist

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persist

Verb

Nonetheless, Hamlin persevered the past two weeks, while Reddick has been snakebitten, having a flat tire in the closing laps at San Diego and then being slowed by a power steering issue Sunday.

— Jordan Bianchi, New York Times, 28 June 2026
Still, African entrepreneurs persevere.

— Jeremy Ebobisse, Time, 26 June 2026

Definition of persevere

Verb

Still, the pieces of ceiling trim dedicated to the pillars of courage and trust remained missing, a nod perhaps to the traits most easily lost when disaster strikes – and most needed to rebuild.

— Alisha Ebrahimji, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
There’s enough cash on hand for Rhaenyra to administer the Seven Kingdoms for a fortnight, and no one remaining from the old regime — not Alicent, not Orwyle — knows where Lannister hid the rest of the ingots.

— Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 July 2026

Definition of remain

Verb

There is not one condition in which continuing with regular physical activity and exercise is not recommended.

— Nicole Williams, AJC.com, 6 July 2026
Sharp, a rookie second-round draft pick from Houston, continued to impress at both ends of the floor with big shots and big stops on defense.

— Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 6 July 2026

Definition of continue

Verb

Cleveland manager Terry Francona challenged the original safe call at second and got the play overturned after a replay delay that lasted 1 minute, 29 seconds.

— Assistant Sports Editor, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
With crushed Fritos, bell peppers, corn, jalapeños, and more, this is a dish that won't last long on the appetizer spread.

— Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 1 July 2026

Definition of last

Cite this Entry

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“Persist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persist. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of persist

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