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

This caused a strained relationship with the company after city officials insisted the extra cost should be covered by PCL. — Katie Langford, Denver Post, 21 Aug. 2026

Team executives insist the Dodgers are not for sale, but sports finance experts say Walter’s urgent need for cash could eventually put baseball’s most lucrative franchise in play. — Steve Henson, Los Angeles Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Meanwhile, Meghan will continue to run her lifestyle brand, As Ever, from their new British home base, with these sources insisting that Meghan’s jam products business is thriving, Sykes also reported. — Martha Ross, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2026

Years before the pandemic, Connecticut began insisting schools report attendance data monthly, rather than yearly. — Theo Peck-Suzuki, Hartford Courant, 20 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