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

Instead, airlines are insisting on custom designs to stand out. — Edward Russell, CNN Money, 15 Aug. 2026

And alumni are among the college’s best ambassadors for spreading that message, insists Emma Donatille, executive director of the WCC Foundation that has handed out nearly $440,000 in scholarships over the years. — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026

In this fast-growing Florida Panhandle community — a county heavily reliant on immigrant labor for construction and tourism — the sheriff's office insists its role in the program is narrowly focused. — Marisa Peñaloza, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026

Everything is squared away now, Price insisted, and there should be no further delays. — Jordan Blum, Fortune, 14 Aug. 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