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.
Netanyahu insistent on continuing war despite rising pressure DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip -- Israeli strikes and gunfire killed at least 57 people across Gaza, health officials said Saturday, as international pressure grows for a ceasefire but Israel's leader remains defiant about continuing the war. Wafaa Shurafa, Arkansas Online, 28 Sep. 2025 Jayce was protective of his baby brother and insistent on showing him everything a 4-year-old knew about life – like how to brush his teeth or how to properly use the bathroom during potty training. Briah Lumpkins, Charlotte Observer, 26 Sep. 2025 On the other hand, skeptics and cynics tend to be insistent right now that the clean-up activity is not going to last very long. Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 Many were half-baked at best and designed for clicks, comments and likes — the insistent demand of the internet age. Editorial, Boston Herald, 12 Sep. 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 8 Oct. 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

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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