persist

verb

per·sist | \ pər-ˈsist

, -ˈzist

persisted; persisting; persists

Definition 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

Other Words from persist Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about persist

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Choose the Right Synonym for persist

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

However, despite federal law, financial barriers to care have persisted. — Jared Weber, USA TODAY, "San Francisco proposes nation’s first universal mental health care system," 4 June 2019 When Napster shut down in 2001, peer-to-peer services like Limewire came into prominence, but contained so much malware that a meme persists about its pitfalls to this day. — Brian Barrett, WIRED, "iTunes Is Dead. Let's Pay Our Respects," 3 June 2019 Now on its sixth season, rumors of cancelation have continued to persist, even after news broke that there will definitely be a seventh season. — Selena Barrientos, Good Housekeeping, "Here's How Marvel's 'Agents of Shield' Season 6 Is Going to Deal With 'Avengers: Endgame'," 6 May 2019 As Blockbuster stores disappeared from most of the Lower 48 in recent years, the brand long managed to persist in Alaska. — Annie Zak, Anchorage Daily News, "Alaska’s last 2 Blockbuster stores are closing, leaving just one in the U.S.," 13 July 2018 Population modification strategies are designed to persist. — Anthony A. James, STAT, "Gene-drive technology must be developed in a safe, ethical way," 10 July 2018 Such rumors are likely to persist into July, when the NBA’s free agent period begins. — Jeff Mcdonald, San Antonio Express-News, "Spurs aim to hang onto Leonard — for now," 22 June 2018 Tensions are likely to persist as long as China pushes its Belt and Road initiative to advance its overseas business, and takes stronger action to fortify its claims over almost the entire South China Sea. — Martin Petty, The Christian Science Monitor, "China's reach fuels illegal protests in Vietnam," 19 June 2018 My second piece of impractical advice to you is to learn how to persist. — Brendan Leonard, Outside Online, "Advice for Leading a Successful Outdoor Life," 12 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'persist.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.