insistence

noun

in·​sis·​tence in-ˈsi-stən(t)s How to pronounce insistence (audio)
Synonyms of insistencenext
1
: the act or an instance of insisting
2
: the quality or state of being insistent : urgency

Examples of insistence in a Sentence

He spoke with great insistence of the need for reform. the insistence of the crashing waves
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.
Anthropic, according to a story in The Atlantic, was particularly concerned about the Pentagon using its technology for this kind of analysis and that its insistence on curtailing that use case was one of the major stumbling blocks to breaking its deadlock with the DOW. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 2 Mar. 2026 Much of the disagreement centers on Iran’s insistence on enriching uranium on its own soil. Abbas Al Lawati, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026 But there is also a stubborn insistence on normalcy. Andy Shaw, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2026 As February ends, that insistence feels newly relevant. Jack Hill, Baltimore Sun, 26 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insistence

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insistence was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insistence. Accessed 5 Mar. 2026.

Kids Definition

insistence

noun
in·​sis·​tence in-ˈsis-tən(t)s How to pronounce insistence (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of insisting
2
: the quality or state of being insistent

More from Merriam-Webster on insistence

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