insist

verb

(sometimes with (that + subjunctive) or intransitive, with on or upon) To demand continually that something happen or be done; to reiterate a demand despite requests to abandon it.

(with (that + indicative) or intransitive, with on or upon) To hold up a claim emphatically.

(obsolete, chiefly geometry) To stand (on); to rest (upon); to lean (upon).

Roots

sisto-sist · Latin · stand, set

Synonyms for insist

assertv arguev importunev allegev contendv affirmv asseveratev averv expostulatev professv

Synonyms & related words for insist

Find synonyms, related words, and the definition of insist — including assert, argue, importune, allege, contend, affirm. Dendril is a free visual thesaurus that shows them on an interactive map where stronger matches sit closer to the center — no signup, no ads.

Words related to insist

Explore words related to insist — words associated with it, words that go with it, and its nearest matches in meaning. Related words include insistingly, insistence, adamantly, insistent, overinsistent, stubbornly, steadfastly, insistency. Click any word to make it the center of the map and keep exploring the web of connections.

Synonyms for insist

Common synonyms for insist include assert, argue, importune, allege, contend, affirm, asseverate, aver — words that share a close meaning. Hover or tap any word on the map for its definition and part of speech.

Where does insist come from?

The word insist breaks down into one root of Latin origin: the root -sist, from Latin sisto (“stand, set”). Explore each root to see other English words built from the same source.