PERSISTS Synonyms: 65 Similar and Opposite Words

persists

verb

present tense third-person singular of persist

as in perseveres

to continue despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement she persisted in her efforts and eventually got the job she wanted

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in remains

to remain indefinitely in existence or in the same state my headache persisted for almost the entire day

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 persists However, as critic Robert Christagu recently argued in his newsletter, a lingering doubt persists that any singer-songwriter can repeat Dylan’s Nobel win. — Devon Ivie, Vulture, 19 Oct. 2026 Backlash to higher prices persists even as governments spend to keep citizens happy. — Justin Worland, Time, 17 Oct. 2026 The bad news is that, if the fire persists, the worst of this Santa Ana wind event is still expected Friday morning. — Tom Tapp, Deadline, 16 Oct. 2026 These kinds of tradeoffs will keep confronting tech leaders as long as that disparity persists. — semafor.com, 16 Oct. 2026 This could lead to flooding of creeks, streams and low-lying areas, especially where heavy rain persists. — Michael Autovino, CBS News, 15 Oct. 2026 The Innovation Paradox persists not because technology fails to advance, but because institutions fail to adapt. — Ming Lu, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026 The economic decline persists, according to the report, with sales revenue this year still down about one-third from prepandemic levels. — Los Angeles Times, 6 Oct. 2026 This story persists, even though the Plath scholar Janet Badia, in her foundational book Sylvia Plath and the Mythology of Women Readers, proved definitively that these protests never happened. — Literary Hub, 5 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persists

Verb

For a show built on grit, glare, and the occasional lollipop, Kojak perseveres with a strangely velvety charm.

— Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 14 July 2026
True love, though, always perseveres.

— Kyle Thomas, PEOPLE, 14 June 2026

Definition of perseveres

Verb

Giving team members insight into what is known, what remains unchanged and what may come next can help people navigate uneasy periods of uncertainty with greater confidence.

— Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 16 Oct. 2026
The vessel's identity remains unknown, and researchers are now turning to historical records in the hopes of identifying the ship.

— Andrea Margolis, FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of remains

Verb

The American consumer, who accounts for about 70% of GDP, continues to buy stuff, but many are stressed by energy prices, wage stagnation, rising interest rates, and an affordability crisis in everything from health care to housing.

— Diane Brady, Fortune, 22 Oct. 2026
And Winnie-the-Pooh continues to sit, in a thoughtful sort of way, which is what very old bears in very nice glass cases mostly do.

— STEVE HENDRIX THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of continues

Verb

The sensor is powered by a single AAA battery (not included) that typically lasts up to 6 months, depending on usage.

— John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 19 Oct. 2026
The agreement lasts for three years but could be cut short or extended depending on whether the parties mutually determine the city and Police Department have reached compliance.

— Sophie Bates, Los Angeles Times, 17 Oct. 2026