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 of insist

• allege
• claim
• assert
• contend
• maintain
• declare

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

The referendum is supported by a right-wing populist party that insists the Swiss government has gravitated too close to the European Union and NATO, notably over Russia's war in Ukraine. — ABC News, 27 Sep. 2026

Rather than insisting that these whales continue with their life, which is a human decision, perhaps they should be allowed to die gracefully and respectfully on their own. — Chicago Tribune, 26 Sep. 2026

Basner insisted that the money be spent on improving the film. — Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2026

The 0-2 Chargers head to Buffalo on Sunday to face a tough Bills team, with Justin Herbert insisting the locker room remains confident despite its offensive struggles. — Joaquin Ruiz, Los Angeles Times, 26 Sep. 2026

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