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 Although some chronic gynecological pain conditions like endometriosis are gaining public attention and becoming better understood, these dynamics persist. Elizabeth Hintz, CNN Money, 26 May 2025 But for the most part, the pattern established by Reagan has persisted ever since, and deviations — like Bush’s tax hike, which contributed to his loss in 1992 — are remembered more as cautionary tales than examples to emulate. Dylan Matthews, Vox, 22 May 2025 Though many of the old artists’ residences have been gobbled up by new high-rises, pockets of nostalgia persist on the streets of New York’s NoHo neighborhood. Jennifer Fernandez, Architectural Digest, 22 May 2025 Given his success in other leagues after being backed during difficult periods, perhaps a win against United tonight may convince the club’s decision-makers to persist with the Australian through a third summer transfer window. The Athletic Uk Staff, New York Times, 21 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for persist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persist
Verb
  • The young star persevered, however, and luckily the big episode was scheduled for early in the season.
    Jordan Hoffman, EW.com, 2 June 2025
  • Others brazenly persevered with their original wardrobe plans.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • What remain enduringly relevant are the book’s insights into the nature of design innovation, which Jencks described as analogous to biological evolution, a constant flow of emergent, divergent, and convergent streams.
    Glenn Adamson, Artforum, 1 June 2025
  • The incident remains under investigated by Meriden Police detectives and anyone with information should contact Det.
    Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 1 June 2025
Verb
  • Voice of America was founded during WWII to counter Axis propaganda and continued to bring cultural and political democracy to countries under authoritarian rule.
    Mary McNamara, Los Angeles Times, 2 June 2025
  • Officials hired additional crews so work could continue around the clock and coordinated with contractors to accelerate their timelines, even bringing a second asphalt plant online to speed up production.
    Joe Hernandez, NPR, 2 June 2025
Verb
  • While state law allows special sessions to last up to 60 days, many lawmakers view the end of June as their true deadline to get an incentives plan done.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 5 June 2025
  • Being pepper-sprayed can also lead to lasting psychological trauma.
    Sophie Clark, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Persist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persist. Accessed 10 Jun. 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!