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

Citing a decline in the poverty rate, Brooke insisted that America was moving in the right direction. —Jonathan Zimmerman, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2026

Remember way back when Kristi Noem insisted upon an ad campaign from the secretary of Homeland Security blasting across America’s airports? —Larry Wilson, Oc Register, 14 Mar. 2026

Despite the backlash, DeRosa has insisted the criticism has created misleading narratives about his handling of the team and his understanding of the tournament format. —Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 14 Mar. 2026

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle insisted before the game that his short-handed defending Eastern Conference champions were still playing hard despite having the league's worst record and already being eliminated from the playoffs. —CBS News, 14 Mar. 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