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 Much of the pressure came from the bond market, where long-term yields surged to levels not seen in nearly two decades as tensions with Iran pushed oil prices higher and revived concerns about persistent inflation. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 22 Aug. 2026 Finishing in 32nd place and nabbing the highest draft lottery odds still matter — even if the persistent betrayal of the NHL’s draft lottery balls remains an open wound in this market. — Thomas Drance, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2026 And while nothing has been even remotely confirmed, there are persistent rumors that Oasis might return in 2027 for a repeat of their legendary 1996 two-night stand. — Andy Greene, Rolling Stone, 21 Aug. 2026 Eligibility for health coverage, disability support, housing, and related services should remain anchored to persistent need, not to HIV status alone. — Jeff Berry, STAT, 21 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for persistent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persistent

Adjective

But by the time Isla was 15 months, Jacalyn had grown more insistent.

— Brad Quick, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026
As Cusk has become more disdainful of fiction and more insistent on the documentary function of art, her work has become vaguer and less concrete, fading like old ink into blurred indeterminacy.

— Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of insistent

Adjective

Still, co-founder and CEO Adam Taubenfligel remains resolute.

— Angela Velasquez, Footwear News, 7 Aug. 2026
That approach has totted up 38 unbeaten matches and created a resolute backline – another key trait of almost all World Cup winners – through pragmatism-by-possession.

— Chris Evans, Forbes.com, 20 July 2026

Definition of resolute

Adjective

Flies are tenacious insects constantly in a relentless search for sustenance.

— Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 21 Aug. 2026
Against the odds, Afghan women have built a tenacious resistance movement, inside and outside the country, that is working to alleviate conditions and provide opportunities, however limited, for women and girls.

— Rina Amiri, Foreign Affairs, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of tenacious

Adjective

Fineman is set to play Parker Quinn, a sports reporter for a top publication who’s known as a dogged reporter with a passion for her beat.

— Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2026
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

Definition of dogged

Adjective

But his effort is the real X-factor, as Pierre’s relentless approach to every rep can be difficult for offensive linemen to endure over the course of a game.

— Nick Baumgardner, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026
The longest track on the album at more than eight minutes, it’s built around a relentless two-note bass line and dangerously cowbell-adjacent percussion and features a whirlwind of samples and sweetly noisy meltdowns.

— Reed Jackson, SPIN, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of relentless

Browse Nearby Words

persistency

persistent

persisting

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“Persistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persistent. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of persistent

adjective

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