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 American Southwest has been marred by a persisting megadrought for over 20 years. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 26 June 2025 The 2022 bloom in Lake Erie persisted into November, which is rare if not unprecedented. Gregory J. Dick, The Conversation, 26 June 2025 Marge’s big blue mane shall persist, complementing her yellow visage for years to come. Jason P. Frank, Vulture, 25 June 2025 Although the hottest temperatures are expected during the weekend, there is a moderate risk extreme heat will persist into later next week for parts of the Ohio Valley and East Coast states (New York could see 100-degree temperatures on Monday or Tuesday). Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes.com, 21 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for persist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persist
Verb
  • The theory of natural selection persevered, and the lengthy record of our ancient roots began to fill out.
    Laura Poppick, Rolling Stone, 30 June 2025
  • Bracewell persevered and was promoted to principal at the Royal Ballet and Opera at the age of 31 in 2022.
    Hikmat Mohammed, Footwear News, 28 June 2025
Verb
  • The extent of the claims are documented in a 255-page affidavit that remains under seal while one co-defendant, Ying Zhang, remains free.
    Silas Morgan, The Orlando Sentinel, 8 July 2025
  • Areas hardest hit by the July 4 floods—including Kerr, Llano, and Bell counties—remain at high risk.
    Hannah Parry Amanda Castro, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The Secret of Us, the second full-length from Abrams, is growing by leaps and bounds on a number of albums rankings at the same time, and that trend could continue.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 8 July 2025
  • The Iron Bottom Sound expedition is scheduled to continue through July 23 and is funded by NOAA Ocean Exploration.
    Mark Price Updated July 8, Miami Herald, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The drier conditions are expected to last through Friday before more rain is in the weekend forecast.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 11 July 2025
  • Each filter lasts up to 1000 uses and is easy to throw into your hiking backpack for emergencies.
    Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 11 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Persist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persist. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on persist

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