Definitions

persist

[per-sist, -zist] / pərˈsɪst, -ˈzɪst /

VERB

carry on, carry through

Synonyms

STRONGEST

carry on carry over continue endure go on linger persevere prevail pursue recur remain

STRONG

abide grind insist last obtain perseverate repeat strive

WEAK

be resolute be stubborn follow through follow up go all the way go the limit hold on keep up leave no stone unturned perdure see through stick it out stick to guns tough it out

Antonyms

STRONGEST

cease discontinue give up go halt leave stop

STRONG

forget

WEAK

quit

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

While the report outlines that the number of children strip searched has more than halved in four years, it warns that ethnic disparities persist and calls into question the use of force in some cases.

From BBC • Apr. 22, 2026

Preliminary studies suggest those effects persist over time, he added.

From Barron's • Apr. 22, 2026

Yet higher gas prices could siphon money away from other retailers in the next few months if they persist.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 21, 2026

It is also commonly found on the surfaces of water bodies and can persist even after conventional treatment.

From Science Daily • Apr. 20, 2026

And why did everyone persist in thinking the mute was exactly as they wanted him to be—when most likely it was all a very queer mistake?

From "The Heart is a Lonely Hunter" by Carson McCullers

Vocabulary lists containing persist

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"Bonne Annee," Vocabulary from the personal essay

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This Week in Words: August 13-18, 2017

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