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

Despite Jesse Palmer’s suspicions, Jonathan insists he’s never done a striptease professionally. —Alice Burton, Vulture, 6 Nov. 2024

Trump has insisted his tariffs would create jobs at home and emancipate the U.S. from being at the mercy of foreign manufacturing. —Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 5 Nov. 2024

The former President has repeatedly insisted that people do not leave his rallies early, as attendance and crowd size have become major topics in the run-up to the election. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

Big Democratic donors have insisted a Harris presidency replace her. —Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 5 Nov. 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