PERSISTENT Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

persistent

adjective

pər-ˈsi-stənt

Definition of persistent

as in insistent

continuing despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement although his first attempts were singularly unsuccessful, he was persistent in his pursuit of a career in rock music

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of persistent KrebsOnSecurity reports that Popa works less like a traditional botnet built for quick attacks and more like a persistent tunneling system. — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 3 July 2026 The company's massive backlog and the persistent demand for both its turbines and electrification solutions remain unmatched. — Morgan Chittum, CNBC, 2 July 2026 South Florida residents can expect persistent high heat across this Fourth of July weekend, with high temperatures creeping into the 90s, according to the National Weather Service. — Sarah Perkel, USA Today, 2 July 2026 Inflation, while persistent, is nowhere near the double-digit nightmare of the late seventies. — Lynn Schmidt, Mercury News, 2 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for persistent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persistent

Adjective

James Madison was insistent that Congress was the most important and powerful branch, especially the House, which was closest to the people and, being elected every two years, would infuse new blood and new ideas into Congress in perpetuity.

— Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2026
Frightening and insistent, impossible yet certain, a feeling more powerful than knowledge.

— Emily Ruskovich, The Atlantic, 7 July 2026

Definition of insistent

Adjective

For lipedema, Power Plate points to research suggesting whole-body vibration boosts lymphatic flow, which may liquefy and drain stubborn lymph fluid, relieve swelling and ease chronic pain.

— Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 14 July 2026
The grower will plant again next season, because that is what Israelis do, and the hope in that is stubborn.

— Frayda Leibtag, Time, 13 July 2026

Definition of stubborn

Adjective

His desire to run in behind and carry the ball at speed was most impressive against Panama, something that England can use to test more resolute defensive sides, as well as those who will leave spaces in behind to attack.

— Adam Crafton, New York Times, 1 July 2026
England’s fierce attacks in the second half were thwarted by a resolute American defense and a series of saves by goalkeeper Frank Borghi.

— Tushaar Kuthiala, Encyclopedia Britannica, 22 June 2026

Definition of resolute

Adjective

One of the hallmarks of the series is its dogged attention to detail, an aspect of storyboarding infinitely complicated by the non-linear nature of the episodes and the vast number of years Lestat’s life as a vampire spans.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2026
Some people still pursue that dream in the dry, dogged manner that Meagher did.

— Kaitlyn Tiffany, The Atlantic, 20 June 2026

Definition of dogged

Adjective

To his supporters, Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was the steadfast, fearless leader who transcended mere politics and inspired devotion.

— Xiaoqian Lin, CNN Money, 6 July 2026
Each project generated steadfast opposition from the city's neighborhoods, calling into question how the city should regulate the advanced technology centers.

— Alysa Guffey, IndyStar, 2 July 2026

Definition of steadfast

Adjective

The relentless rain has led to dozens of water rescues in the region and forecasters are warning of more rainfall that could be catastrophic.

— Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 15 July 2026
Between a home with three young children and a pediatric clinic crowded with restless kids, the noise at times felt relentless.

— Dana Suskind, Time, 14 July 2026

Definition of relentless

Adjective

To protect patient privacy, the state public health department does not disclose where in the state the patients reside.

— Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 10 July 2026
For example, rural healthcare providers might offer remote patient monitoring to enable continuous management of chronic conditions, potentially reducing hospitalizations and improving outcomes.

— Sas Mukherjee, Forbes.com, 10 July 2026

Definition of patient

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persistency

persistent

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“Persistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persistent. Accessed 16 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of persistent

adjective

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