insist

verb

in·​sist in-ˈsist 

insisted; insisting; insists

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

• allege
• claim
• assert
• contend
• maintain
• declare

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

Even so, there are few sanctions as strong and effective as the UFLPA, Murphy and Tate insisted. —Jasmin Malik Chua, Sourcing Journal, 9 Oct. 2025

The state, meanwhile, insists the plan is both legal and fair. —Elissa Robinson, Freep.com, 9 Oct. 2025

This is not only wrong, Paine insists, but against nature, since all of us are created equal. —Matthew Redmond, The Conversation, 9 Oct. 2025

Most Democrats continue to insist on remedying healthcare at the same time as reopening government. —Joey Garrison, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle French or Latin; Middle French insister, from Latin insistere to stand upon, persist, from in- + sistere to take a stand; akin to Latin stare to stand — more at stand

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense 1

Phrases Containing insist

• insist on/upon

Rhymes for insist

• assist
• blacklist
• booklist
• checklist
• consist
• desist
• dismissed
• enlist
• exist
• oocyst
• persist
• resist

Kids Definition

insist

verb

in·​sist in-ˈsist 

1

: to place special stress or great importance

insists on punctuality

2

: to make a demand : request urgently

insisted that I come