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

Coach and selector Andrew McDonald insisted days before that the same squad will be retained. —Tim Ellis, Forbes, 2 Dec. 2024

Into the summer, Kennedy continued to insist that the American people would eventually turn to him and away from the major party candidates. —James Rainey, Los Angeles Times, 1 Dec. 2024

San Jose State has insisted the footage Trump is referring to shows the ball hitting another player's arm, not her head. —Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 30 Nov. 2024

Saudi officials insist that the creation of a Palestinian state in accordance with previous international agreements, including East Jerusalem as its capital, remains an essential condition for long-term regional peace and stability. —Samia Nakhoul and Pesha Magid, USA TODAY, 29 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