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

Zelenskyy has repeatedly insisted any security commitments should be clearly spelled out, including who would act, and how, if Russia attacked again. — Willem Marx, NPR, 8 Nov. 2026

The kitchen has been remodeled with the owners insisting on it meeting the highest standards for design excellence, craftsmanship, and ease of use. — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 8 Nov. 2026

Priscilla Davis insisted from the outset that the gunman was her estranged husband, Cullen Davis, a multimillionaire oil heir. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Nov. 2026

The Democratic coalition searches for a new direction and a new figurehead, even though many of the party’s Top Brass insist there was nothing Clinton could have done to avoid losing the presidency and even more seats in the House and the Senate. — Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 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