insistence

noun

in·​sis·​tence in-ˈsi-stən(t)s How to pronounce insistence (audio)
Synonyms of insistence
1
: the act or an instance of insisting
2
: the quality or state of being insistent : urgency

Synonyms of insistence

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Examples of insistence in a Sentence

He spoke with great insistence of the need for reform. the insistence of the crashing waves
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.
Despite Bret’s passionate insistence that his classmate is a serial killer, Croft tells him Robert is a good kid from a good family and sends him back to class. — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 27 Aug. 2026 The right-wing theological website Protestia has attacked Hamilton for not heeding Paul’s insistence that women stay silent in church. — Bill McKibben, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 The Duskbloods is a cool experiment from a team whose dogged insistence on making games a certain way has thoroughly turned me off of its output. — Jordan Minor, PC Magazine, 26 Aug. 2026 His insistence on winning is why the Sky overhauled the roster in earnest during each recent offseason, giving up a bevy of draft capital in the process. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insistence

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insistence was in the 15th century

Rhymes for insistence

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Insistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insistence. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

insistence

noun
in·​sis·​tence in-ˈsis-tən(t)s How to pronounce insistence (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of insisting
2
: the quality or state of being insistent
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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