interject

verb

in·​ter·​ject ˌin-tər-ˈjekt How to pronounce interject (audio)
interjected; interjecting; interjects

transitive verb

: to throw in between or among other things : interpolate
interject a remark
interjector noun
interjectory adjective

Did you know?

According to its Latin roots, interject ought to mean literally "throw between". For most of the word's history, however, the only things that have been interjected have been comments dropped suddenly into a conversation. Interjections are often humorous, and sometimes even insulting, and the best interjections are so quick that the conversation isn't even interrupted.

Choose the Right Synonym for interject

introduce, insert, insinuate, interpolate, intercalate, interpose, interject mean to put between or among others.

introduce is a general term for bringing or placing a thing or person into a group or body already in existence.

introduced a new topic into the conversation

insert implies putting into a fixed or open space between or among.

inserted a clause in the contract

insinuate implies introducing gradually or by gentle pressure.

insinuated himself into the group

interpolate applies to the inserting of something extraneous or spurious.

interpolated her own comments into the report

intercalate suggests an intrusive inserting of something in an existing series or sequence.

new chapters intercalated with the old

interpose suggests inserting an obstruction or cause of delay.

interpose barriers to communication

interject implies an abrupt or forced introduction.

interjected a question

Examples of interject in a Sentence

“That's an interesting idea,” he interjected, “but I don't think you've considered all of the details.” She listened to us, interjecting remarks every so often. If I may interject, I have things I'd like to add.
Recent Examples on the Web Before long, Trump was interjecting again, although the judge quickly put a stop to it. Aysha Bagchi, USA TODAY, 26 Jan. 2024 The ring discussion between Long and Ventimiglia prompted co-host Sheryl Underwood to interject to share the female perspective on men and their wedding bands. Erin Clack, Peoplemag, 20 Feb. 2024 Daniels interjected, scolding Johnson for such posts given his large following. Alex Mann, Baltimore Sun, 13 Feb. 2024 Become a Subscriber At this point in her speech, two men interject, ready to start their own rants about, respectively, undocumented immigrants and China. Jordan Kisner, The Atlantic, 9 Feb. 2024 At several moments, when Carlson tried to interject, he was chastised by the president. Francesca Ebel, Washington Post, 9 Feb. 2024 Carlson spent most of the interview listening, and rarely interjected to question Putin’s narrative. David Gilbert, WIRED, 9 Feb. 2024 Vergara interjected as Clarkson explained her POV on her look. Jackie Fields, Peoplemag, 1 Feb. 2024 Kevin Wallace, a lawyer for James' office, interjected. Graham Kates, CBS News, 19 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interject.' 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 interjectus, past participle of intericere, from inter- + jacere to throw — more at jet

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interject was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near interject

Cite this Entry

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

Kids Definition

interject

verb
in·​ter·​ject ˌint-ər-ˈjekt How to pronounce interject (audio)
: to throw in between or among other things
interject a remark
interjector noun
interjectory adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on interject

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