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 Troopers say for instances like this, these drivers are called persistent drunk drivers. — Brian Sherrod, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026 For now, the study identifies a previously underappreciated part of the immune system that could help overcome one of SCLC’s most persistent defenses. — New Atlas, 15 Oct. 2026 The promise of an always-on, local-first intelligent assistant with persistent background agents that execute consistently and reliably has massive appeal to those who want to bring AI capabilities more fully into their day-to-day lives. — Brian Westover, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026 If policymakers were looking for evidence of persistent inflation, the September CPI and PPI have presented it, said Joe Brusuelas, chief economist at RSM US. — Alicia Wallace, CNN Money, 15 Oct. 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

Cook rushed for 111 yards before his latest fumbling woes for the Bills, while Allen got more than 100 of his yards rushing on scrambles, repeatedly escaping the pocket and rendering useless the Rams’ tenacious secondary coverage.

— ABC News, ABC News, 12 Oct. 2026
Pollock was not afraid of strong women and Lee Krasner was one of the most courageous, outspoken, and tenacious women any man might have chosen.

— Barbara Rose, Vogue, 11 Oct. 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

Meanwhile, waiting in the wings is a man of few words — and initially, few feelings, or so thinks Marianne — the steadfast Colonel Brandon (Herbert Nordrum).

— ABC News, ABC News, 14 Oct. 2026
The poem continues with more verses about Burns’s steadfast love, but beyond that, nothing really happens.

— René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of steadfast

Adjective

The relentless spread of energy-hungry data centers is pushing demand higher still.

— Philip H. Gordon, Foreign Affairs, 12 Oct. 2026
The 16-track set is a truly thrilling journey through the relentless ambition and restless psyche of a young Black woman who’s dedicated her life to navigating the notoriously tumultuous music industry.

— Kyle Denis, Billboard, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of relentless

Adjective

Star Ratings overhaul and new marketing rules CMS is executing a structural overhaul of its Star Ratings program for 2027, removing 11 administrative metrics to focus on clinical quality, health outcomes, and patient experience.

— Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026
Two of Kariem’s former students described him as joyful, patient and an inspiration.

— Karina Tsui, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of patient

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persistency

persistent

persisting

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“Persistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/persistent. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of persistent

adjective

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