insistent

adjective

in·​sis·​tent in-ˈsi-stənt 

1

: disposed to insist : persistent

2

: compelling attention

the insistent pounding of the waves

insistently adverb

Synonyms of insistent

• persistent
• resolute

Examples of insistent in a Sentence

We listened to the insistent crashing of waves on the beach.

Margaret Sanger is remembered as an insistent crusader for birth control.

Recent Examples on the Web

Valeria Golino plays a supporting role as the grieving, insistent mother of a victim who meets with Zem’s criminologist. —Zac Ntim, Deadline, 29 Apr. 2026

Her voice is light but insistent. —Maddie Connors, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2026

Uslip was insistent on the point. —Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 23 Apr. 2026

While all parties to the sale were insistent on keeping the purchase price confidential, Firestone’s acknowledgment of Stone’s declining production since Sapporo acquired it suggests that the acquisition cost may have been less than $165 million. —Roxana Popescu, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Latin insistent-, insistens, present participle of insistere

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for insistent

• assistant
• consistent
• existent
• persistent
• resistant
• subsistent
• coexistent
• equidistant
• inconsistent
• nonexistent
• preexistent
• distant

Kids Definition

insistent

adjective

in·​sis·​tent in-ˈsis-tənt 

: demanding attention : persistent

insistently adverb