insistence

noun

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

Synonyms of insistence

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Examples of insistence in a Sentence

He spoke with great insistence of the need for reform. the insistence of the crashing waves
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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.
Both could have been considered lapsed Catholics, disillusioned with the church’s position on homosexuality and its insistence that divorcees get an annulment before remarriage. — Jonathan Bullington, Chicago Tribune, 18 Oct. 2026 The expected lockout, and MLB’s insistence on a salary cap in their CBA proposals, have also cast doubt on what the system will look like next year — whenever the season begins. — Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026 That insistence on independence is what led Paris to pursue bilateral nuclear arrangements this year. — Ivo H. Daalder, Foreign Affairs, 16 Oct. 2026 What pushes Kate over the edge is his insistence that neither Hal nor she would be welcome at Dennison’s funeral. — Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Oct. 2026 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

Rhymes for insistence

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Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Insistence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insistence. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

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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
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