insistent

adjective

in·​sis·​tent in-ˈsi-stənt How to pronounce insistent (audio)
1
: disposed to insist : persistent
2
: compelling attention
the insistent pounding of the waves
insistently adverb

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
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.
But these cerebral dispatches realize their audience often experiences the work communally and tends to enjoy it most when accompanied by flowing synths and insistent drums. Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 27 June 2025 An insistent tabby cat has left internet users in stitches after getting caught repeatedly waking up a woman by yelling outside her window, despite not being her pet. Maria Azzurra Volpe, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025 But, after eventually acquiescing to Hermann's insistent wishes, Hargitay rode inside the Uber, unsure of her final destination. Alex Ross, People.com, 17 June 2025 Since creator George Lucas insistent that the 1997 special editions should be the only versions of the film that should be available, this original version, sans the many not- all-welcome additions, has never been publicly screened. Benny Har-Even, Forbes.com, 13 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for insistent

Word History

Etymology

Latin insistent-, insistens, present participle of insistere

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insistent was in 1868

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insistent. Accessed 10 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

insistent

adjective
in·​sis·​tent in-ˈsis-tənt How to pronounce insistent (audio)
: demanding attention : persistent
insistently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on insistent

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