Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

Thesaurus

persist

verb

Synonyms and Antonyms of persist

1 to continue despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement
  • she persisted in her efforts and eventually got the job she wanted
Synonyms of persist

carry on, persevere
Words Related to persist

dig in, hang on, keep up

follow through (with)

knuckle down
Phrases Synonymous with persist

gut it out, hang in there
Near Antonyms of persist

give up, knock off, quit

bow, give in, submit, succumb, surrender, yield

falter, hang back, hesitate, shilly-shally, vacillate, waver, wobble (also wabble)
2 to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state
  • my headache persisted for almost the entire day
Synonyms of persist

abide, bide, continue, endure, hold on, hold up, keep up, last, perdure, remain, run on
Words Related to persist

linger, stay, stick around, tarry

carry through, prevail, survive
Near Antonyms of persist

abate, die (down), ebb, let up, moderate, subside, wane
Antonyms of persist

cease, close, conclude, desist, die, discontinue, end, expire, finish, lapse, leave off, pass, quit, stop, terminate, wind up

Synonym Discussion of 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

Learn More about persist

  1. See words that rhyme with persist Dictionary: Definition of persist Spanish Central: Translation of persist Nglish: Translation of persist for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of persist for Arabic speakers

Seen and Heard

What made you want to look up persist? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

show comments hide comments
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

WORD OF THE DAY

disparage

Listen to the pronounciation of disparage

to speak slightingly about or to degrade

Get Word of the Day daily email!

TRENDING NOW

  1. folderol Rees-Mogg dismisses Brexit changes

  2. reticent Mueller's team hesitant to testify

  3. codify Dem candidates call to protect Roe v. Wade

SEE ALL
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games