persistence

noun

per·​sis·​tence pər-ˈsi-stən(t)s How to pronounce persistence (audio)
-ˈzi-
Synonyms of persistence
1
: the action or fact of persisting
2
: the quality or state of being persistent
especially : perseverance

Synonyms of persistence

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Examples of persistence in a Sentence

He admired her dogged persistence in pursuing the job. His persistence in asking for a raise was finally rewarded. She has shown a lot of persistence.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
On Wednesday night, Budapest recorded its warmest overnight low temperature on record, with temperatures falling only to 28 degrees Celsius (82 degrees Fahrenheit), underscoring the persistence of the extreme heat. — ABC News, 6 Aug. 2026 Riders reinterpret familiar features—stairs, rails, curbs and ledges—with technical precision, creativity and persistence, often spending hours or even days working toward a single trick. — Michelle Bruton, Forbes.com, 6 Aug. 2026 Even considering the persistence and peril of anthrax, Stewart reckons that the British government did properly decontaminate the island. — Rj MacKenzie, Popular Science, 5 Aug. 2026 Sill credited the outcome to the community, the volunteers and the dog’s own persistence, and told the outlet that searches like this one frequently end differently. — Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 31 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for persistence

Word History

First Known Use

1546, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of persistence was in 1546

Rhymes for persistence

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Browse Nearby Words

persist
persistence
persistency
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Cite this Entry

“Persistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/persistence. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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Kids Definition

persistence

noun
per·​sis·​tence pər-ˈsis-tən(t)s How to pronounce persistence (audio)
-ˈzis-
1
: the act or fact of persisting
2
: the quality of being persistent

More from Merriam-Webster on persistence

Nglish: Translation of persistence for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about persistence

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