insistent

adjective

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

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.
That means this is one couple insistent on continually revealing new facets, moods and surprises. Stephen Schaefer, Boston Herald, 28 Jan. 2026 Mann was insistent, however, on breaking that vicious cycle. Nathan Smith, Los Angeles Times, 26 Jan. 2026 Its insistent guitar chug harks back to the indie rock of Bury Me at Makeout Creek, but the song doesn’t stay there for long, melting into a foreboding orchestral swell and chorus of wordless voices. Marissa Lorusso, Pitchfork, 16 Jan. 2026 Sometimes the people are extremely pushy and insistent. Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insistent. Accessed 29 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

insistent

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

More from Merriam-Webster on insistent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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