Explanation:

- "Persist" means to continue firmly in a course of action despite difficulty or opposition.

- Cease is an antonym as it means to stop or come to an end. This is the opposite of continuing.

- "Insist" means to demand something forcefully or not accepting refusal, which is somewhat related to persisting.

- "Remain" means to stay in the same place or condition, not directly opposite to persist.

- "Continue" means to carry on or persist in doing something, which is almost synonymous with persist.

Correct Answer: Cease