insist

verb

in·​sist in-ˈsist How to pronounce insist (audio)
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

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
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.
Coach and selector Andrew McDonald insisted days before that the same squad will be retained. Tim Ellis, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024 Into the summer, Kennedy continued to insist that the American people would eventually turn to him and away from the major party candidates. James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024 San Jose State has insisted the footage Trump is referring to shows the ball hitting another player's arm, not her head. Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 30 Nov. 2024 Saudi officials insist that the creation of a Palestinian state in accordance with previous international agreements, including East Jerusalem as its capital, remains an essential condition for long-term regional peace and stability. Samia Nakhoul and Pesha Magid, USA TODAY, 29 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insist 

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of insist was in 1586

Dictionary Entries Near insist

Cite this Entry

“Insist.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insist. Accessed 8 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

insist

verb
in·​sist in-ˈsist How to pronounce insist (audio)
1
: to place special stress or great importance
insists on punctuality
2
: to make a demand : request urgently
insisted that I come

More from Merriam-Webster on insist

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