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

The partial government shutdown triggered by a standoff over border wall has persisted for a month. — Juan Montes, WSJ, "Migrant Tally Surges at Guatemala-Mexico Border," 23 Jan. 2019 Music aside, Stillman contends that the disco era marked the beginning of the club culture that persisted into the 90s and beyond. — H.w. Vail, HWD, "Whit Stillman and Chloë Sevigny Look Back at The Last Days of Disco," 11 June 2018 Those questions persist today, particularly amid Wells Fargo's recent struggles, although former Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. Chair Sheila Bair told the Observer any standalone rescue of Wachovia would have been problematic. — Rick Rothacker, charlotteobserver, "Wells Fargo has its own troubles 10 years after saving Wachovia. Some wonder: What if? | Charlotte Observer," 20 Apr. 2018 So, some secrets do persist at Sowden House—if more cat-based than expected. — Chloe Foussianes, Town & Country, "I Am the Night," 5 Feb. 2019 But some of its cousins, like the crocodiles and alligators, persist today, as do the descendants of dinosaurs: birds. — John Wenz, Popular Mechanics, "Found in the Cold Mountains of Antarctica: A Warm Weather Lizard Fossil," 31 Jan. 2019 If breezily collecting monsters in a fantasy land sounds silly to you, that will persist. — Sam Machkovech, Ars Technica, "Pokemon Let’s Go: Well, I guess my adult ass is going to collect them all," 16 Nov. 2018 Hot and dry weather across California and the Northwest will persist today, with a slight break in temperatures arriving Saturday. — Fox News, "High Fire Danger continues across the West, wet weather returns to the Northeast," 10 Aug. 2018 Nevertheless, Williams persisted in her pursuit of one. — Candice Benbow, Glamour, "At the U.S. Open, Serena Williams Demanded the Apology All Black Women Deserve," 10 Sep. 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.