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

China has repeatedly insisted that its ability to influence the business is limited to operations outside the U.S. but the Chinese government would have to approve of any sale. —Phoebe Liu, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025

Regulators and safety advocates insist the reporting requirement is crucial to understanding how well the technology is working — and is necessary to hold carmakers accountable for deaths and injuries when the technology fails. —Joel Rose, NPR, 15 Jan. 2025

But Trump insists after charges were dropped following the 2024 election that he was fully exonerated. —Bart Jansen, USA TODAY, 15 Jan. 2025

According to Duran, Junior’s owners and key sponsors insisted on the meeting in Medellin. —Felipe Cardenas, The Athletic, 15 Jan. 2025

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