PERSISTENT Synonyms: 81 Similar and Opposite Words

persistent

adjective

pər-ˈsi-stənt

Definition of persistent

as in insistent

continuing despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement although his first attempts were singularly unsuccessful, he was persistent in his pursuit of a career in rock music

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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 persistent Beset by persistent prison overcrowding, the criminal justice system in England and Wales is in the throes of a years-long crisis. — Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 30 Sep. 2026 Sullivan, who has been a persistent advocate for the Alaska natural gas project and has encouraged South Korean investment, is a two-term senator facing a competitive challenge from Democrat Mary Peltola, a former congresswoman. — ABC News, 30 Sep. 2026 Policymakers see the greater policy risk now as the persistent inflation that pushed central bankers to raise benchmark borrowing rates by a quarter percentage point earlier in September. — Jeff Cox, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2026 Prison officials said cellphones and other contraband remain a persistent challenge. — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for persistent

Recent Examples of Synonyms for persistent

Adjective

Del Toro was insistent that the texture and grain of the original movie, which was shot on film, remain.

— Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 6 Oct. 2026
In 2016, Senator Bernie Sanders shocked the Democratic establishment by running a close race against Hillary Clinton for the Party’s Presidential nomination, thanks to his insistent focus on income and wealth inequality.

— Nicholas Lemann, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026

Definition of insistent

Adjective

The recent rise in yields reflects concerns about stubborn inflation and hawkish central bank commentary, fueling expectations that interest rates could remain elevated for longer.

— Sarah Min,Davis Giangiulio,Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 2 Oct. 2026
Even so, scaling up could force Google and SpaceX to confront some stubborn physics.

— Peter Hall, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of stubborn

Adjective

Okereke himself, who was the one called for the unnecessary roughness penalty, was disappointed but resolute postgame.

— Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 28 Sep. 2026
For someone who works in an industry that is constantly in flux, Zurich Film Festival Co-Owner and Festival Director Reta Guetg is resolute in her ambition for the young film event.

— Diana Lodderhose, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2026

Definition of resolute

Adjective

Western and Asian governments feared the tenacious insurgencies could help foster Islamic extremism in Southeast Asia.

— Teresa Cerojano, Los Angeles Times, 14 Sep. 2026
Enciso can be the bustling out-ball, the tenacious, front-footed defender and provide the moments of individual brilliance to get Ipswich out of the relegation trouble many anticipate.

— David Ornstein, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2026

Definition of tenacious

Adjective

Fineman is set to play Parker Quinn, a sports reporter for a top publication who’s known as a dogged reporter with a passion for her beat.

— Katie Kilkenny, HollywoodReporter, 20 July 2026
One of the hallmarks of the series is its dogged attention to detail, an aspect of storyboarding infinitely complicated by the non-linear nature of the episodes and the vast number of years Lestat’s life as a vampire spans.

— CT Jones, Rolling Stone, 7 July 2026

Definition of dogged

Adjective

Mayor Zohran Mamdani debuted a sweeping plan Tuesday to combat antisemitism and hate crimes against Jewish people in New York City, moving to assuage concerns from critics who see his steadfast denunciations of Israel as antisemitic.

— Anthony Izaguirre, Los Angeles Times, 29 Sep. 2026
Mayor Zohran Mamdani debuted a sweeping plan Tuesday to combat antisemitism and hate crimes against Jewish people in New York City, moving to assuage lingering concerns from critics who see his steadfast denunciations of Israel as antisemitic.

— ABC News, ABC News, 29 Sep. 2026

Definition of steadfast

Adjective

After years of cruel dismissal from his grandfather, Kang Seung-woon (Jung Jin-young), and relentless pressure from his mother, Kang Ji-hye (Yoon Se-ah), Pi-o doubts his talent.

— Kayti Burt, Time, 6 Oct. 2026
In a time defined by AI acceleration, expanding cybersecurity risks and relentless pressure to grow, organizations can no longer afford leadership models that diffuse responsibility when outcomes fall short.

— Guy Yehiav, Forbes.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of relentless

Adjective

As more telehealth sites prescribe these medications and pitch them as a way to lose weight while saving money, some patient advocates argue that more people like Kinkade will fall through the cracks of a broken regulatory system.

— Alana Semuels, Time, 7 Oct. 2026
Its return to the market was initially accompanied by strict requirements for blood monitoring to ensure patient safety.

— Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of patient

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“Persistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persistent. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of persistent

adjective

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