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.
Third, Netanyahu's insistence on resuming fighting in Gaza to achieve absolute victory was never practical, as the United States learned in Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan, and Israel in the West Bank. Ehud Barak, Time, 10 Oct. 2025 Tottenham Hotspur’s owners are backing up their insistence that the club won’t be sold by injecting £100m ($133m) in funding. Phil Hay, New York Times, 10 Oct. 2025 The remarks underscore Tehran’s insistence that diplomacy, not confrontation, must define the future of its nuclear program. Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Oct. 2025 Biden’s insistence on running until Harris had very little time to do so—and until the Party had no time at all for a true primary—is high on the list of reasons that the country now has a horrible President. Amy Davidson Sorkin, New Yorker, 8 Oct. 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

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Cite this Entry

“Insistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insistence. Accessed 13 Oct. 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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