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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Moody yet insistent, Purple Basil can conjure disparate moods depending on the lighting of a room or even the sheen of a particular bookcase or molding. Tim Nelson, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 2024 Advertisement Movies For Subscribers The 27 best movie theaters in Los Angeles Nov. 22, 2023 During a long country weekend, however, the hosts’ energetic hospitality betrays an edge, mainly to do with Paddy’s mercurial, insistent personality and flashes of ill temper toward Ant. Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 12 Sep. 2024 The Founding Fathers debated for months, with some arguing that Congress should pick the president and others insistent on a democratic popular vote. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 15 Oct. 2024 Gisèle has been present during the case’s court proceedings, which have made international news, and has been insistent that the public see the videos of her being assaulted and that her name not be shielded, according to the BBC. Liam Quinn, People.com, 11 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for insistent 

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 23 Nov. 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!