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 of insist

• 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

But, again, as with the answer above, this is a team that insists on living in the moment as long as there is even an outside chance of playoff success. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 22 Feb. 2026

Reverend Jackson did not protest technology, but rather insisted on participating in shaping it. —Brennan Nevada Johnson, Fortune, 22 Feb. 2026

With Putin insisting on Ukraine’s pullback from Donetsk and Zelenskyy ruling it out, a quick deal appears unlikely. —ABC News, 22 Feb. 2026

Uludag denied the accusations during questioning, insisting that his posts were legitimate criticism made in his capacity as a judiciary reporter, according to court documents published by Cumhuriyet newspaper. —Arkansas Online, 21 Feb. 2026

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