Synonyms of persist

persist

verb

pər-ˈsist 

1

as in to persevere

to continue despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement

she persisted in her efforts and eventually got the job she wanted

Synonyms & Similar Words

• persevere
• carry on
• gut it out
• hang in there
• hang on
• keep up
• follow through (with)
• dig in
• knuckle down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• quit
• give up
• submit
• yield
• succumb
• knock off
• surrender
• hesitate
• give in
• falter
• bow
• vacillate
• waver
• hang back
• wobble
• shilly-shally

2

as in to remain

to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state

my headache persisted for almost the entire day

Synonyms & Similar Words

• remain
• continue
• last
• endure
• stay
• survive
• linger
• abide
• prevail
• perdure
• hold on
• run on
• keep up
• bide
• hold up
• stick around
• tarry
• carry through

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• stop
• cease
• die
• conclude
• pass
• end
• terminate
• finish
• close
• quit
• expire
• discontinue
• wind up
• desist
• die (down)
• lapse
• subside
• abate
• moderate
• leave off
• wane
• let up
• ebb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb persist differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of persist are abide, continue, endure, and last. While all these words mean "to exist over a period of time or indefinitely," persist suggests outlasting the normal or appointed time and often connotes obstinacy or doggedness.

the sense of guilt persisted

When can abide be used instead of persist?

The meanings of abide and persist largely overlap; however, abide implies stable and constant existing especially as opposed to mutability.

a love that abides through 40 years of marriage

Where would continue be a reasonable alternative to persist?

While the synonyms continue and persist are close in meaning, continue applies to a process going on without ending.

the search for peace will continue

When would endure be a good substitute for persist?

The words endure and persist can be used in similar contexts, but endure adds an implication of resisting destructive forces or agencies.

in spite of everything, her faith endured

When could last be used to replace persist?

The synonyms last and persist are sometimes interchangeable, but last, especially when unqualified, may stress existing beyond what is normal or expected.

buy shoes that will last

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of persist

Students blamed rampant state corruption, and their mass protests persisted in the face of violent repression. — Elizabeth Shackelford, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026

Although the operator installed a cover and new equipment to better collect toxic gases and suppress fumes, the reaction has grown to 90 acres and could persist for several more years. — Tony Briscoe, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2026

While many patients’ nails recover afterwards, for some patients, those effects can unfortunately persist after treatment stops. — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 30 Oct. 2026

And if current market conditions persist, local businesses could only build about half of those projects when construction demand peaks around 2040. — Nick Sullivan, Charlotte Observer, 30 Oct. 2026