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

Undeterred, Budden continued, insisting that animals find the interactions as pleasurable. —Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 4 Mar. 2025

Some argue that excessive washing strips natural oils, while others insist regular cleansing is necessary for scalp health. —Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025

Against the advice of Sinatra, Cal hits the button, insisting the people of America need a chance to survive. —Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 4 Mar. 2025

There’s much misinformation about who actually pays tariffs Trump is a proponent of tariffs, insisting that they are paid for by foreign countries. —Paul Wiseman, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 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