insistence

noun

in·​sis·​tence in-ˈsi-stən(t)s How to pronounce insistence (audio)
Synonyms of insistencenext
1
: the act or an instance of insisting
2
: the quality or state of being insistent : urgency

Synonyms of insistence

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Examples of insistence in a Sentence

He spoke with great insistence of the need for reform. the insistence of the crashing waves
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.
At the heart of his strategy is his insistence that each of its parks is a step up from its predecessors. — Caroline Reid, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026 Wild ambition is coupled with an insistence on living in the moment. — Adrienne Lafrance, The Atlantic, 28 June 2026 But Trump’s insistence on its passage could hold up the popular housing bill. — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 25 June 2026 In the majority’s view, this must be read broadly to achieve the declaration’s insistence on rights and equality. — Morgan Marietta, The Conversation, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for insistence

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insistence was in the 15th century

Rhymes for insistence

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Insistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insistence. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

insistence

noun
in·​sis·​tence in-ˈsis-tən(t)s How to pronounce insistence (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of insisting
2
: the quality or state of being insistent

More from Merriam-Webster on insistence

Nglish: Translation of insistence for Spanish Speakers

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