insist

verb

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

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

See All Synonyms & Antonyms in Thesaurus

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.
In recent years, Iran has refused to engage in direct discussions with U.S. officials about its nuclear program and instead has insisted on indirect talks, with each government relaying messages through intermediaries. — Nbc News, NBC news, 20 June 2025 The barrage led Israel’s defense minister to overtly threaten Iran’s supreme leader. Israel, meanwhile, struck Iran’s heavy water reactor, part of the country’s nuclear program, which its government insists is meant for peaceful purposes only. — Elena Becatoros, Chicago Tribune, 20 June 2025 European leaders are expected to present a comprehensive offer aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear activity, though Tehran insists its program remains peaceful. — Amanda Castro peter Aitken, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025 Calderon maintained his innocence, insisting his positive result had been the result of cross-contamination. — Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 20 June 2025 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 30 Jun. 2025.

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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

More from Merriam-Webster on insist

Nglish: Translation of insist for Spanish Speakers

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