insistent

adjective

in·​sis·​tent in-ˈsi-stənt How to pronounce insistent (audio)
Synonyms of insistent
1
: disposed to insist : persistent
2
: compelling attention
the insistent pounding of the waves
insistently adverb

Synonyms of insistent

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Examples of insistent in a Sentence

We listened to the insistent crashing of waves on the beach. Margaret Sanger is remembered as an insistent crusader for birth control.
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.
The meaning is largely in the emotion and intelligence Lily brings to bear upon her work, the process, the insistent intertwining of her creativity and her becoming. — Literary Hub, 27 Oct. 2026 It was meant to be, as 860’s insistent underscoring by Marc Shaiman will often remind you. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 22 Oct. 2026 There’s something inherently comical about this insistent, creepy overfamiliarity. — Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026 Those close to Al-Khelaifi are insistent that there is no conflict of interest, with the chair recusing himself from the LFP board over the past 12 months to remove any potential issue. — Jacob Whitehead, New York Times, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insistent

Word History

Etymology

Latin insistent-, insistens, present participle of insistere

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insistent was in 1868

Rhymes for insistent

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Insistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insistent. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

insistent

adjective
in·​sis·​tent in-ˈsis-tənt How to pronounce insistent (audio)
: demanding attention : persistent
insistently adverb
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