insistent

adjective

in·​sis·​tent in-ˈsi-stənt 

1

: disposed to insist : persistent

2

: compelling attention

the insistent pounding of the waves

insistently adverb

Synonyms

• dogged
• patient
• persevering
• persistent
• pertinacious
• tenacious

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

The insistent piece ended with a piano on fire and Beyoncé yodeling, because why not? Beyoncé supported the most barbed material with evocative footage projected on a massive video wall. —Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 16 May 2025

Ahead of Pink Elephant, the Montreal collective known for its insistent politics and uplifting lyricism was scarce and guarded in its direct communications. —Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 13 May 2025

In the first two games of the series, Winnipeg had the last change, and Jets coach Scott Arniel was insistent on getting Scheifele’s line on the ice against Robert Thomas’ line. —Jeremy Rutherford, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025

The Patriots were insistent on keeping the same philosophy, albeit with a few minor tweaks. —Brendan Connelly, Boston Herald, 19 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin insistent-, insistens, present participle of insistere

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for insistent

• assistant
• consistent
• existent
• persistent
• resistant
• subsistent
• coexistent
• equidistant
• inconsistent
• nonexistent
• preexistent
• distant

Kids Definition

insistent

adjective

in·​sis·​tent in-ˈsis-tənt 

: demanding attention : persistent

insistently adverb