persistent

[per-sis-tuhnt, -zis-] / pərˈsɪs tənt, -ˈzɪs- /

ADJECTIVE

determined; continuous

Synonyms

STRONGEST

constant continual endless enduring incessant insistent perpetual relentless repeated resolute steadfast steady stubborn tenacious unrelenting unremitting

WEAK

assiduous bound bound and determined bulldogged dogged firm fixed immovable in for long haul indefatigable interminable like bad penny never-ending obdurate obstinate perseverant persevering persisting pertinacious sticky tireless unflagging unshakable

Antonyms

STRONGEST

broken ceasing disloyal ending inconstant intermittent interrupted merciful stopping sympathetic temporary terminable unstable unsteady untrustworthy weak yielding

WEAK

lazy relenting surrendering

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.

There have been persistent questions over the readiness of the capital's main airport, its saturated public transport system and the revamped Azteca stadium.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2026

Those close to Fujimori describe her as persistent, disciplined and relentless.

From Barron's • Jun. 3, 2026

The fighting is less intense than before, but persistent enough to leave all three arenas in an uneasy limbo between war and peace.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 3, 2026

Indeed, according to notes of the most recent Fed policy committee meeting in April, many officials are increasingly concerned that persistent inflation could require additional rate hikes.

From Salon • Jun. 1, 2026

The brutal era of sharecropping and Jim Crow was ending, but what followed was persistent unemployment and worsening poverty.

From "Just Mercy" by Bryan Stevenson

Vocabulary lists containing persistent

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List 3

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The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian

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