insistent

adjective

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

Synonyms of insistent

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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.
This was one aspect of Parton, the adventurer whose insistent self-respect would carry her beyond any limitations others tried to impose on her. — Ann Powers, NPR, 26 Aug. 2026 But the Lower Basin has remained insistent on the Upper Basin states’ sharing in additional conservation measures. — Sarah Porter, The Conversation, 20 Aug. 2026 But by the time Isla was 15 months, Jacalyn had grown more insistent. — Brad Quick, CNBC, 18 Aug. 2026 As Cusk has become more disdainful of fiction and more insistent on the documentary function of art, her work has become vaguer and less concrete, fading like old ink into blurred indeterminacy. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 16 Aug. 2026 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

Rhymes for insistent

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

insistent

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