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

Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai, Ronaldo insisted Amorim was not to blame for United’s current dismal run of four defeats in seven league games, while making a series of comments about potentially becoming a club owner. —Callum Davis, The Athletic, 27 Dec. 2024

Elle Fanning, however, insists she’s been a massive champion of the singer since her middle school years. —Erin Strecker, IndieWire, 26 Dec. 2024

Yet despite the clues, Vaughn — and the film’s cast, including Henry Cavill and Bryan Cranston — continued to insist Conway was real. —Alex Ritman, Variety, 26 Dec. 2024

But then everything goes wrong at once: her father dies, her dog is run over, and her sister insists on selling the family home, forcing Rhiannon to find a new place—and the estate agent is Rhiannon's high school nemesis, Julia (Nicole Lecky). —Ars Technica, 24 Dec. 2024

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

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