insistence

noun

in·​sis·​tence in-ˈsi-stən(t)s How to pronounce insistence (audio)
Synonyms of insistencenext
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.
Could his insistence on deferring to Washington scare them off? Jim Edwards, Fortune, 30 Mar. 2026 In an era where an artist’s stream count is publicly visible and algorithms dictate discovery, the festival’s insistence on alphabetical listing and no headliners is a quiet act of resistance. Jessica Lynch, Billboard, 30 Mar. 2026 Staffers and media members became familiar with the guard’s insistence on steering conversations back toward his evangelical Christian beliefs, even if those answers did not relate to the topic at hand. Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026 Given how flippant Rodgers has been with his decision-making over the last few years, and his insistence that he won’t be bullied into deciding his future on anyone’s timeline but his makes predicting what the four-time MVP will do quite a tough ask. Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 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 2 Apr. 2026.

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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster