insist

verb

in·​sist in-ˈsist How to pronounce insist (audio)
insisted; insisting; insists
Synonyms of insist

intransitive verb

1
: to be emphatic, firm, or resolute about something intended, demanded, or required
They insist on going.
2
archaic : persist

transitive verb

: to maintain in a persistent or positive manner
insisted that the story was true

Synonyms of insist

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Examples of insist in a Sentence

I didn't want to go, but she insisted. “Come on, let's go.” “Oh, all right, if you insist.” She insists the money is hers.
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.
Until now, Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele has insisted the men were still alive and being held by gangs. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 25 Oct. 2026 Trump has repeatedly said the country is not ready for elections yet but has insisted that a lot of progress has been made. — Michael Rios, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026 Some may think the two worlds don’t collide, but Bath insists there is a connection. — Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026 Narayan, a Dalit tailor, insists on marking his own ballot in an upcoming election instead of allowing an upper-caste landlord’s men to vote on his behalf. — Asim Ali, Time, 24 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insist

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French insister, from Latin insistere to stand upon, persist, from in- + sistere to take a stand; akin to Latin stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insist was in 1586

Phrases Containing insist

Rhymes for insist

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Browse Nearby Words

insipient
insist
insistence
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Cite this Entry

“Insist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insist. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Kids Definition

insist

verb
in·​sist in-ˈsist How to pronounce insist (audio)
1
: to place special stress or great importance
insists on punctuality
2
: to make a demand : request urgently
insisted that I come
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