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

The reader feels the moment’s vitality and presence, and the sorrow at its loss, but not because Ford insists on it. —Literary Hub, 30 Apr. 2026

Others insist that increased US fossil fuel production has, for now, strengthened Washington’s hand and helped steady global markets. —Jennifer Granholm, semafor.com, 30 Apr. 2026

Since that 2006 decision, Pluto's legion of supporters have insisted that the demotion was unjustified and have demanded that the astronomical organization responsible for the ruling reconsider. —Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026

The president rejected an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz in exchange for easing restrictions, insisting that larger concerns must be addressed first. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 30 Apr. 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