insistence

noun

in·​sis·​tence in-ˈsi-stən(t)s How to pronounce insistence (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of insisting
2
: the quality or state of being insistent : urgency

Examples of insistence in a Sentence

He spoke with great insistence of the need for reform. the insistence of the crashing waves
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 despite the insistence of Mayor Bass and the LAPD chief that the police wouldn’t be getting involved. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 8 June 2025 The Stars insistence on falling behind was going to get them. Mac Engel, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 May 2025 That seems to me a relatively recent concept, like the insistence that nature has to be beautiful and that symmetry and beauty can be scientific criteria for deciding for or against certain theories that has worked for a few hundred years. Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 29 May 2025 The keyboard is large and comfortable, with a few points deducted for HP's insistence on cramped arrow keys, and the touchpad feels good. K. Thor Jensen, PC Magazine, 27 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for insistence

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of insistence was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insistence. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

insistence

noun
in·​sis·​tence in-ˈsis-tən(t)s How to pronounce insistence (audio)
1
: the act or an instance of insisting
2
: the quality or state of being insistent

More from Merriam-Webster on insistence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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