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

The government insists the case has nothing to do with a free press, saying the defendants used news reporting as a pretext for years to commit acts that harmed China and Hong Kong. —Kanis Leung, Los Angeles Times, 9 Feb. 2026

Putin, however, has insisted that Russia would achieve its objectives in Ukraine one way or another. —Arkansas Online, 8 Feb. 2026

The 66-year-old actor insisted paying attention to subtle changes in his body made all the difference in his cancer battle while talking about his new business venture – AWEAR Market. —Lauryn Overhultz, FOXNews.com, 8 Feb. 2026

Maye insists his shoulder is fine, and the Patriots QB has been a full participant in practice this week, which is a great sign. —Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 8 Feb. 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