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

Sheinbaum remained vague on details, but insisted that her administration would seek to work with Trump. —Stephania Taladrid, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2025

All of which leaves Francis, the spiritual leader of more than a billion Catholics, insisting on a welcoming and internationalist worldview that has gone out of style. —Jason Horowitz, Vogue, 21 Apr. 2025

Conrad agrees Harry is like a son to him, but also insists that Harry needs his other family. —Matt Cabral, EW.com, 20 Apr. 2025

In the 1950s, the Carnegie Foundation insisted on scientific management in its funding of business schools. —Steve Denning, Forbes.com, 20 Apr. 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