insistent

adjective

in·​sis·​tent in-ˈsi-stənt How to pronounce insistent (audio)
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 Quiroga was insistent on discussing their marital issues. Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 But Hancock, in the time leading up to his execution, only became more insistent about his nonbelief. Emma Goldberg Desiree Rios, New York Times, 21 Jan. 2024 But the state has not been insistent on its adoption, and many local school systems have continued to use less effective teaching methods. Dan Walters, The Mercury News, 16 Feb. 2024 Sherman held the camera’s focus with his insistent blue eyes. Elliot Ackerman, WIRED, 12 Feb. 2024 From the dry cleaner’s to the stationery store, from Zabar’s to Barney Greengrass, Chloe pursues the siblings, as pesky and insistent as a gnat. The New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2024 As Vincente tries to atone through insistent invitations, Violeta and Eva maintain firm boundaries with their father. Lovia Gyarkye, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2024 But gently insistent repetition makes each idea linger, like an image burned into an LCD screen. Pitchfork, 7 Dec. 2023 Yet Wilson was insistent that the ratification of the Treaty of Versailles – stalled in the U.S. Senate – was more important than his health. Thomas Doherty, The Conversation, 1 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insistent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

Dictionary Entries Near insistent

Cite this Entry

“Insistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insistent. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!