insist

verb

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in·sist | \ in-ˈsist

insisted; insisting; insists

Definition of insist

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 & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About insist

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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 administration’s defense against the criticism of its failure to move fast enough in Afghanistan has been to acknowledge it was taken by surprise by the speed of the collapse, but to insist there were plans in place. — New York Times, 15 Aug. 2021 Some 23% of Republicans insist that they won’t get vaccinated under any circumstances, and another 8% say that they will not get vaccinated unless they are required to do so. — William A. Galston, WSJ, 27 July 2021 Smith’s answer was to insist that revelation was ongoing, that ancient scripture could be opened up and revised — continued — with new visions that drew on the old but retreaded them for a nascent U.S. — Andrew Kay, Longreads, 17 July 2021 Among them: whether to turn over a check to Chicago police — likely the personal check Smollett allegedly used to pay them for their help — and whether to insist upon immunity before talking further with authorities. — Megan Crepeau, chicagotribune.com, 14 July 2021 The inspector general’s office released a six-page report on July 28, 2020, that Republicans immediately cited to call for further investigation and insist that the parole board was out of control. — Washington Post, 14 June 2021 Liberal Senate Democrats insist the sheer volume of Republican bills targeting elections has given them an opening to get something done. — BostonGlobe.com, 5 June 2021 And the Nuggets insist that Gordon was just as vital to them tying the series 1-1 as Jokic was. — Larry Starks, USA TODAY, 25 May 2021 Lawyers at the Innocence Clinic insist the case against him was flawed from the beginning. — John Wisely, Detroit Free Press, 14 May 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'insist.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.