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.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insisted that Ukraine is doing everything possible to ensure the release of prisoners and the return of the soldiers’ bodies. — Kosta Gak, CNN Money, 8 June 2025 Johnson insisted that Musk has bad information, and the speaker disputed the forecasts of the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office that scores budget legislation. — Bill Barrow, Chicago Tribune, 8 June 2025 But one of Holmgren’s first acts as a member of the Thunder, after a spectacular performance in his Summer League début, was to insist that a teammate join him for the postgame interview, which traditionally goes to the game’s key player. — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 8 June 2025 President Trump has not yet commented on Abrego Garcia's return to the U.S. However, the Trump administration has insisted that the El Salvador native is a member of the MS-13 gang, an accusation a federal judge has questioned due to the strength of the government's evidence. — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 7 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 14 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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