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

When her brother insists on changing the menu every day, Natalie — now running the business side — balks at the food waste involved in R&D, and Richie rightfully points out that front of house needs to be kept in the loop. —Alison Herman, Variety, 27 June 2024

Officials, however, insist that this amount is misleading and that a different and more relevant figure, the unassigned ending balance, is a comparatively modest $800 million. —Howard Blume, Los Angeles Times, 26 June 2024

However, Boone insisted that he’s made strides in the field this season. —Gary Phillips, New York Daily News, 26 June 2024

In a statement to Fortune, the company insisted the Rivian deal would complement Cariad, but UBS analysts are not so sure. —Alena Botros, Fortune, 26 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