persist

verb

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

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
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
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.
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 But if the system fails to form or shifts course, dangerously hot conditions could persist across the Kansas City metro. Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 20 June 2025 Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and California Governor Gavin Newsom came under scrutiny from both sides of the aisle as questions concerning water pressure and access persisted. Anna Commander, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 Experts believe PrEP has most likely hastened HIV’s considerable decline among white gay and bisexual men, but the HIV rate among Black and Latino gay and bisexual men has persisted at markedly high rates. Benjamin Ryan, NBC news, 18 June 2025 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Persist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persist. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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

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