Definition of insertnext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb insert contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of insert are insinuate, intercalate, interject, interpolate, interpose, and introduce. While all these words mean "to put between or among others," insert implies putting into a fixed or open space between or among.

inserted a clause in the contract

When is it sensible to use insinuate instead of insert?

The words insinuate and insert are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, insinuate implies introducing gradually or by gentle pressure.

insinuated himself into the group

When can intercalate be used instead of insert?

In some situations, the words intercalate and insert are roughly equivalent. However, intercalate suggests an intrusive inserting of something in an existing series or sequence.

new chapters intercalated with the old

In what contexts can interject take the place of insert?

While in some cases nearly identical to insert, interject implies an abrupt or forced introduction.

interjected a question

When is interpolate a more appropriate choice than insert?

Although the words interpolate and insert have much in common, interpolate applies to the inserting of something extraneous or spurious.

interpolated her own comments into the report

Where would interpose be a reasonable alternative to insert?

The synonyms interpose and insert are sometimes interchangeable, but interpose suggests inserting an obstruction or cause of delay.

interpose barriers to communication

When would introduce be a good substitute for insert?

While the synonyms introduce and insert are close in meaning, 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

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of insert ElAttrache performed surgery on McGregor in July 2021, inserting a rod, plates and screws into his left leg after the fighter broke his tibia and fibula during a mixed martial arts bout against Dustin Poirier in Las Vegas. Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 24 June 2026 Over three surgeries, the team used bone from Dewey’s lower leg to rebuild her upper jaw, implemented a set of prosthetic teeth and inserted specialized implants into her eye socket to support a future prosthesis. Rachel Hale, USA Today, 24 June 2026 Bake in preheated oven until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 24 June 2026 State lawmakers last week appeared to have reached a deal on a bill to postpone the deadline for banning the QR code tabulation, but Senate Republicans over the weekend inserted an amendment that required a full hand recount of the top two races on the ballot. ABC News, 23 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for insert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insert
Verb
  • More bills have been introduced this year than last, including by Republicans, said Justine Gluck, policy director of the Future of Privacy Forum, a nonprofit that advocates for data privacy in technology and whose members are from industry, academia and civic groups.
    Marc Levy, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2026
  • The brand quickly brought new models to market and introduced a novel come-to-the-customer sales and service experience that let buyers bypass dealerships—Genesis was sold and serviced through existing Hyundai stores.
    Scotty Reiss, Forbes.com, 20 June 2026
Verb
  • Following 2023’s Emotional Contracts, where producer Dave Fridmann injected a harder, radio-ready punch, Coin-O-Matic’s mellower Americana sound reflects a band at ease with itself, even when the tempos slacken and the organ gets buried in the mix.
    Arman Khan, Pitchfork, 19 June 2026
  • The study introduces a novel fabrication method that injects a crosslinking agent during membrane formation to create highly efficient separating layers.
    Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 18 June 2026
Verb
  • Kyle Schwarber launched three home runs, including two in the third inning, while Bryce Harper completed the cycle to add yet another achievement to his accomplished career.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2026
  • Marte's latest move adds another chapter to a professional career that had already taken him through multiple organizations and even overseas.
    Peter Chawaga, Forbes.com, 21 June 2026
Verb
  • Roy interjected with the mischievous smirk typical of a younger brother trying to ruffle some feathers.
    Carlos Aguilar, Los Angeles Times, 15 June 2026
  • The book, by Martyna Majok (of Cost of Living, which was also directed by Bonney), merges past and present through Susanna’s narration, while Bonney has the show’s ensemble onstage around her as their characters interject in Susanna’s story, sometimes to play a scene, sometimes to add commentary.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 5 June 2026
Verb
  • In the title track, Lizzo interpolates two elder singer-songwriters, Missy Elliott and Meredith Brooks, who each flipped the slur into biting hooks in the late nineties.
    Lauren Michele Jackson, New Yorker, 11 June 2026
  • The score by Amine Bouhafa and Isabelle Laudenbach — the director’s sister, and also an accomplished flamenco guitarist — deftly interpolates scraps and strains of Bizet’s original compositions, stripped of operatic excess and given a folky lilt.
    Guy Lodge, Variety, 31 May 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insert. Accessed 26 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on insert

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

More from Merriam-Webster