insistence

noun

in·​sis·​tence in-ˈsi-stən(t)s How to pronounce insistence (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of insisting
2
: the quality or state of being insistent : urgency

Examples of insistence in a Sentence

He spoke with great insistence of the need for reform. the insistence of the crashing waves
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
For such an insistence on democracy, the pavilion is curiously tepid in its politics, save for a kind of vernacular populism and some PBS-esque nods to the Gee’s Bend quilters. Kate Wagner, Curbed, 5 Sep. 2025 This tension is only underlined by the filmmakers’ insistence on using pictures of the real Warrens and their demon-banishing clients in the credits of most Conjuring-verse movies. Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Sep. 2025 Matzner’s philanthropy extended to his tireless service on nonprofit boards, his insistence on accountability and his gift for rallying others to join him in giving. Erik Pedersen, Deadline, 4 Sep. 2025 And Wednesday’s persistent insistence that people don’t change? Ben Travers, IndieWire, 4 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insistence

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insistence was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insistence. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

insistence

noun
in·​sis·​tence in-ˈsis-tən(t)s How to pronounce insistence (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of insisting
2
: the quality or state of being insistent

More from Merriam-Webster on insistence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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