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 & Antonyms 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

This gap persists even when accounting for benefits. — Sam Petulla And Brandon Griggs, CNN, "Here's how far teacher salaries have fallen behind," 27 Apr. 2018 And when women do run, a double standard about gender roles persists, according to research done by the nonpartisan Barbara Lee Family Foundation, which helps female candidates navigate the political landscape. — Shirley Leung, BostonGlobe.com, "State law allows political candidates to expense a tuxedo, but not child care. That needs to change.," 12 July 2018 But local control also persists because of the importance of context. — Jack Schneider, The Atlantic, "The Problem With Generalizing About ‘America’s Schools’," 5 July 2018 Under state law, if a patient’s faith dictates that life persists so long as the heart is beating, then brain death alone is not sufficient for a legal declaration of death. — Mari A. Schaefer, Philly.com, "Declared brain dead almost 5 years ago, Calif. teen's life finally ends in N.J.," 29 June 2018 Rage persists over the plunging of the Iranian rial to 90,000 to the dollar — double the government rate of 42,000 rials to $1 — as people watch their savings dwindle and shopkeepers hold onto some goods, uncertain of their true value. — Jon Gambrell, The Seattle Times, "Protests in Iran as Rouhani says US wants ‘economic war’," 26 June 2018 Speculation persists that if the Mets fall out of playoff contention, the club might call up Tebow to help boost attendance. — Josh Peter, USA TODAY, "Tim Tebow has shown signs he's improving as a baseball player," 11 June 2018 Sadly, the lack of female Nobel physics laureates persists 54 years later. — Brian Keating, WIRED, "There's Nothing Noble about Science’s Nobel Prize Gender Gap," 27 May 2018 As modern Oakland springs up around the one-square-block park — high-rise apartments, office buildings and hip restaurants on every side — Lafayette Square persists as an island of homeless squalor. — Scott Ostler, San Francisco Chronicle, "Homeless Warriors fans live in the shadow of team’s headquarters," 7 May 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.