persist

verb

per·​sist pər-ˈsist  -ˈzist 

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

Synonyms of persist

• persevere

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

But Brent resumed climbing as conflict persisted, topping $100 per barrel again in July before wavering and then hitting that mark again late Tuesday. — John Towfighi, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2026

Some have since recovered, with May marking the sector’s best month since 2001, though concerns persist. — Kai Nicol-Schwarz, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

Still, pressures are piling up, with some warning that future cases of art theft could be likely as vulnerabilities persist. — Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Los Angeles Times, 9 Sep. 2026

As the city moves forward with the museum, the aquatic system is under review, first responders are still negotiating contracts, water and sewer problems persist and residents in the northwest Hialeah continue to wait for a permanent fire station. — Veronica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 9 Sep. 2026

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

Rhymes for persist

• assist
• blacklist
• booklist
• checklist
• consist
• desist
• dismissed
• enlist
• exist
• insist
• oocyst
• resist

Kids Definition

persist

verb

per·​sist pər-ˈsist  -ˈzist 

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