to continue steadfastly or firmly in some state, purpose, course of action, or the like, esp. in spite of opposition, remonstrance, etc.

to persist in working for world peace; to persist in unpopular political activities.

to last or endure tenaciously

The legend of King Arthur has persisted for nearly fifteen centuries.

to be insistent in a statement, request, question, etc.

verb

cease , give up , leave , quit , stop

verb

abide , be resolute , be stubborn , continue , endure , follow through * , follow up * , go all the way , go on , go the limit , grind , hold on , insist , keep up * , last , leave no stone unturned , linger , obtain , perdure , perseverate , persevere , prevail , pursue , recur , remain , repeat , see through , stick it out , stick to guns , strive , tough it out , carry on , hang on , keep on , come through , pull through , ride out , weather , hold out , stay , perpetuate , survive , sustain