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.

None of this is news, but on the 50th anniversary of the death penalty’s reinstatement in the United States, it is worth reflecting on why those problems persist.

From Slate • Jun. 8, 2026

But he also reiterated his prediction that shortages could persist until 2030, with chip factories taking at least three years to build.

From Barron's • Jun. 8, 2026

This allows some pathogens to persist longer in drinking water systems and potentially spread more effectively.

From Science Daily • Jun. 6, 2026

Zaccarelli said inflation worries persist in the U.S. amid higher oil prices.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 3, 2026

"Arya, are you certain you want to persist in this?"

From "A Game of Thrones" by George R.R. Martin

Vocabulary lists containing persist

The Vocabulary.com Top 1000

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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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