insist

verb

in-ˈsist How to pronounce insist (audio)
Definition of insistnext
as in to allege
to state as a fact usually forcefully she continued to insist that she was right, even in the face of overwhelming evidence to the contrary

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of insist Some Hindu reform movements that developed under colonialism insisted that Hinduism is monotheistic or monist. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026 While aides for the Sussexes insist that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have no plans to become working royals in the future, Harry is said to be hoping to reconcile with his family and spend more time with his father. — Katie Nicholl, Vanity Fair, 28 Aug. 2026 Further, Kushner could insist that UEFA is using the legal process to unnecessarily burden him with demands that ought to be made by Swiss prosecutors and courts. — Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 27 Aug. 2026 Clement later successfully extorted one of Roshanki’s friends for $5,000 in drug proceeds, then insisted that Roshanski owed him money for drugs and fraud. — Nate Gartrell, Mercury News, 27 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insist
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insist
  1. allege
  2. claim
  3. assert
  4. contend
  5. maintain
  6. declare
Verb
  • Three winemakers earlier this month filed suit against the owner of Hundred Acre Wines, Jayson Woodbridge, and his company alleging that smoke from the wildfire ruined their harvests, the Press Democrat reported.
    — Iris Kwok, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026
  • In the indictment, prosecutors allege John-Paul posted a nude photo of Mica online, had tracking devices placed on her vehicle, contacted her more than 50 times in one day, and interfered with her finances.
    — Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 29 Aug. 2026
Definition of allege
Verb
  • The brand also claims that this sweeps away plaque rather than just blasting a hole through it, more effectively eradicating the sludgy bacteria.
    — Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Center/guard Corey Bullock, who was beaten out by Andrew Vorhees for the team’s ninth offensive line spot, was claimed by the Carolina Panthers.
    — Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of claim
Verb
  • Bates declared the platform the Principality of Sealand and asserted its sovereignty as a micronation distinct from Great Britain.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Rather than simply asserting that demand is durable, Kress argued that Nvidia’s growth is increasingly diversified beyond hyperscalers such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon and Meta.
    — Sheryl Estrada, Fortune, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of assert
Verb
  • In reality, Loesby contends, many struggles reflect predictable structural mismatches — a lawyer who prefers depth and analysis struggling in a role that rewards constant responsiveness, or one who thrives on collaboration disengaging in isolation.
    — Malana VanTyler, USA Today, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The states also contend that requiring them to identify mail voters to USPS violates federal privacy protections governing records of individuals’ First Amendment activity.
    — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of contend
Verb
  • Older adults need muscle strength to perform everyday activities, maintain mobility and reduce their risk of falls.
    — Faye Chiu, CNN Money, 26 Aug. 2026
  • The court also heard testimony from Christine Reglin, a special agent with the Kansas Bureau of Investigation, who maintained that the agency didn’t think Fatherley’s actions that night constituted a crime.
    — Sofi Zeman August 25, Kansas City Star, 26 Aug. 2026
Definition of maintain
Verb
  • Officers began lifesaving aid until EMS arrived to take the victim to a hospital, where he was later declared deceased, police shared.
    — Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2026
  • The land forces of Germany, France, and Britain had been facing one another since war was declared on September 1, 1939, until the standoff became something of a grim joke.
    — David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of declare

Phrases Containing insist

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insipidity
insist
insisted
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Cite this Entry

“Insist.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insist. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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