insistent

adjective

in·​sis·​tent in-ˈsi-stənt 

1

: disposed to insist : persistent

2

: compelling attention

the insistent pounding of the waves

insistently adverb

Synonyms of insistent

• persistent
• resolute

Examples of insistent in a Sentence

We listened to the insistent crashing of waves on the beach.

Margaret Sanger is remembered as an insistent crusader for birth control.

Recent Examples on the Web

Bangladeshi cinema has been equally insistent on subverting patriarchal stereotypes. — Ritesh Mehta, IndieWire, 5 Sep. 2026

But flatter work, especially photography and illusionistic painting, struggles to hold its position against the building’s insistent materiality. — Katy Barkan, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026

This was one aspect of Parton, the adventurer whose insistent self-respect would carry her beyond any limitations others tried to impose on her. — Ann Powers, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026

But the Lower Basin has remained insistent on the Upper Basin states’ sharing in additional conservation measures. — Sarah Porter, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin insistent-, insistens, present participle of insistere

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for insistent

• assistant
• consistent
• existent
• persistent
• resistant
• subsistent
• coexistent
• equidistant
• inconsistent
• nonexistent
• preexistent
• distant

Kids Definition

insistent

adjective

in·​sis·​tent in-ˈsis-tənt 

: demanding attention : persistent

insistently adverb