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

• affirm
• allege
• assert
• aver
• avouch
• avow
• claim
• contend
• declare
• maintain
• profess
• protest
• purport
• warrant

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 in the musical, they’re saved by a garage band made up of lesbian, trans and nonbinary members who insist that these two women educate themselves to become lesbian community icons. —Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2024

While analysts who had hoped to work a cut into their forecasts may be disappointed, Kashkari insists a continued grip on monetary policy is what consumers want to see. —Byeleanor Pringle, Fortune, 3 June 2024

You aren’t required to conduct an inspection or insist that the property pass inspection before the sale becomes final, a demand known as the inspection contingency in your purchase contract. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2024

President Biden, speaking for the first time, insisting that this verdict should be respected, and blasting the Republican efforts to undermine the verdict, calling that dangerous. —ABC News, 2 June 2024

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

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