insist

verb

in·​sist in-ˈsist 

insisted; insisting; insists

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

• affirm
• allege
• assert
• aver
• avouch
• avow
• claim
• contend
• declare
• maintain
• profess
• protest
• purport
• warrant

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

Texas Central insists it was not reliant on the funding and is continuing with its plans. —James Bickerton, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 May 2025

The administration can also insist that other countries pay prices commensurate with the value of new medicines as a condition of striking trade agreements with the United States. —Sally Pipes, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025

Her father’s second-in-command, the handsome Jack Dean, insists family members play fair in obeying their father’s will. —Lorraine Berry, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025

Janine originally named her Charlotte, but Naomi insisted the girl’s name be Angela. —Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 26 May 2025

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

Phrases Containing insist

• insist on/upon

Rhymes for insist

• assist
• blacklist
• booklist
• checklist
• consist
• desist
• dismissed
• enlist
• exist
• oocyst
• persist
• resist

Kids Definition

insist

verb

in·​sist in-ˈsist 

1

: to place special stress or great importance

insists on punctuality

2

: to make a demand : request urgently

insisted that I come