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

For years, the big tech companies have insisted their problem is a shortage of compute, not a surplus. — Liz Hoffman, semafor.com, 2 July 2026

Eisen insisted that the American people won’t take this lying down. — Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 July 2026

Police patrolled the city, citing those who insisted on washing their cars or watering their yards. — Kansas City Public Library Staff, Kansas City Star, 1 July 2026

The song finds her brushing off judgment from friends, family and the internet, insisting that what matters most is the connection between two people. — Jane Lacroix, PEOPLE, 3 July 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