persistence

noun

per·​sis·​tence pər-ˈsi-stən(t)s How to pronounce persistence (audio)
-ˈzi-
Synonyms of persistencenext
1
: the action or fact of persisting
2
: the quality or state of being persistent
especially : perseverance

Examples of persistence in a Sentence

He admired her dogged persistence in pursuing the job. His persistence in asking for a raise was finally rewarded. She has shown a lot of persistence.
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.
Ultimately, this is not about superhero moments but about access, persistence and refusing to let one moment define a lifetime. Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 22 Dec. 2025 The paper hypothesizes that the ink persistence and the macrophage death could affect the capacity of these cells to control the spread of pathogenic viruses and bacteria. Jay Kakade december 20, New Atlas, 20 Dec. 2025 By focusing on the persistence of private life during wartime, the book widens from an investigation into a kind of communal portrait, literally illustrating the way injustice contorts and is resisted by people, together and alone. Robert Rubsam, The Atlantic, 18 Dec. 2025 On a pretty dead pitch offering very little to the bowlers, the quartet wastefully surrendered their wickets for all that England deserved credit (particularly Archer) for persistence and a generally probing line after what had been a fairly disastrous start to the day from Carse. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 17 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for persistence

Word History

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of persistence was in 1546

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Persistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persistence. Accessed 23 Dec. 2025.

Kids Definition

persistence

noun
per·​sis·​tence pər-ˈsis-tən(t)s How to pronounce persistence (audio)
-ˈzis-
1
: the act or fact of persisting
2
: the quality of being persistent

More from Merriam-Webster on persistence

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