insists; insisted; insisting
1
: to demand that something happen or that someone do something
I didn't want to go, but she insisted.
"Come on, let's go." "Oh, all right, if/since you insist."
—usually + thatShe insisted that I (should) go.
The source for my story insisted that I not reveal his/her name.
2
: to say (something) in a way that is very forceful and does not allow disagreement
She insists the money is hers.
—usually + thatShe kept insisting that she was right.
He insists that these problems are not his fault.
Both men insist that they are innocent.
Cite this Entry
“Insist.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/insist. Accessed 16 Apr. 2026.
Copy Citation
