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

Advertisement Then Netanyahu rejected the Board of Peace’s 15-point plan to advance a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip and insisted that Israel would not withdraw before Hamas fully disarmed. — Chad De Guzman, Time, 19 Oct. 2026

As always, Karademas insisted, that success revolves around the Paramount Theatre. — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026

Sheinbaum has insisted ever since that the situation had to be investigated to determine whether any crime had been committed. — Mauricio Torres, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2026

Holmes, the former founder of Theranos who was found guilty on four counts of fraud in 2022 and who insists on her innocence throughout the documentary, begins her 11-year sentence in a federal prison in Texas. — Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 17 Oct. 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