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

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 persist Unfortunately, itchy ears can continue throughout the midlife years; since estrogen levels remains low, the dryness will persist. Taylor Lane, Flow Space, 1 May 2025 Until investors begin valuing Tesla based on fundamentals rather than founder worship, this dysfunctional dynamic will persist—trapping Tesla in a cycle of deteriorating performance while preventing the very leadership change necessary for its revival. Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 May 2025 This slows your metabolic rate, and if the stress persists, this can cause long-term effects.13 Metabolism Explained Your metabolism is your body’s engine. Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 1 May 2025 Disparities in treatment access and outcomes persist across race, income and geography. Jeffrey MacKeigan, The Conversation, 28 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for persist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for persist
Verb
  • Even after all these years, Kellen’s dedication to his career has persevered.
    Sharareh Drury, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
  • Through it all, Caceres – a Uruguay native and now a 22-year-old Business Management student at Miami Dade College’s West Campus – has persevered.
    Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Whether cooking for Hollywood stars or crafting simple dishes for his audience, Arya remained grounded in the belief that true success comes from being real, not manufactured.
    Daniel Fusch, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
  • Hischier remained down on the ice for a few moments after the goal in frustration.
    Peter Baugh, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Backed by cardinals seeking reform, the low-profile Bergoglio emerged as a surprise contender early on, and his momentum continued.
    Marc Ramirez, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Firefighters continue to battle a wildfire in New Jersey that has burned over 15,000 acres, with strong winds on Sunday complicating their efforts, officials said.
    Megan Forrester, ABC News, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • You’re being called to play the long game, to build something that lasts.
    Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 May 2025
  • The caregiver partner can feel a consistent stress to keep it together during that time, which can last decades.
    Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 1 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Persist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persist. Accessed 7 May. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on persist

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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