insistent

adjective

in·​sis·​tent in-ˈsi-stənt How to pronounce insistent (audio)
1
: disposed to insist : persistent
2
: compelling attention
the insistent pounding of the waves
insistently adverb

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 They’re interrupted by a ringing phone and a hangup, followed by a knock at the door — an insistent, cop-style knock. Chris Klimek, Vulture, 8 May 2024 Mr Rogerson was insistent that these events were cross-sector. Amanda Constance, theweek, 8 Mar. 2024 Harry shows up drunk and insistent, and Adam sends him away. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 3 Jan. 2024 But Putin is insistent on bringing tsarist Russia back. Fiona Hill, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2022 See all Example Sentences for insistent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insistent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin insistent-, insistens, present participle of insistere

First Known Use

1868, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insistent was in 1868

Dictionary Entries Near insistent

Cite this Entry

“Insistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insistent. Accessed 4 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

insistent

adjective
in·​sis·​tent in-ˈsis-tənt How to pronounce insistent (audio)
: demanding attention : persistent
insistently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on insistent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!