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 The world grappled yesterday with the United States inserting itself into Israel’s war by attacking Iranian nuclear sites, an operation that raised urgent questions about what remained of Tehran’s nuclear program and how its weakened military might respond. Chicago Tribune, 23 June 2025 Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the thigh. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 23 June 2025 Then, in 2020, with Adams freshly inserted as general manager, the Sabres signed Reinhart to a one-year contract that walked him to free agency. Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 20 June 2025 Once inserted into an arm, the sensor allows the wearer to monitor their blood-sugar levels on a phone app for $80 to $184 a month. Olga Khazan, The Atlantic, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for insert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insert
Verb
  • According to the lawsuit, Thomas was introduced by women's swimming head coach Mike Schnur to the women's swimmers during a team meeting in Fall 2019 as their incoming teammate.
    Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2025
  • Despite the Maxton Hall books publishing in 2018, more readers will now be introduced to the books for the first time.
    Lexy Perez, HollywoodReporter, 1 July 2025
Verb
  • And in rural communities across America, renewable and storage projects inject significant tax revenue often used for essential services like police, schools, and roads.
    John Ketchum, Fortune, 24 June 2025
  • Walden injected a bit of noise into his playing style with the group, citing guitarists J Mascis, Thurston Moore, and Jimi Hendrix as influences.
    Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 23 June 2025
Verb
  • The resurgence of fisherman sandals and oversized button-downs has only added fuel to the fire—or, maybe, fish to the net.
    Jake Henry Smith, Glamour, 27 June 2025
  • The same reviewer added that the front seams help keep the jeans from bunching.
    Jamie Allison Sanders, People.com, 27 June 2025
Verb
  • As Cruz, 54, began to answer, Carlson interjected and accused him of lacking an understanding of the nation.
    Jillian Frankel, People.com, 18 June 2025
  • Your dad must be very proud of you! Alfie Dobson interjects from the background: Very proud!
    Alex Ritman, Variety, 17 June 2025
Verb
  • His backstory involves a terrible crash at the Spanish Grand Prix in his 30s that still gives him nightmares (and explains the film’s cryptic opening, in which calming ocean waves are interpolated with gritty video images of a high-speed race).
    Damon Wise, Deadline, 17 June 2025
  • The latter star has landed a number of hits throughout the past few years by repurposing melodies and interpolating hooks from older, familiar smashes by other artists, reworking them into something exciting and new for a different audience.
    Hugh McIntyre, Forbes.com, 31 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Insert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insert. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on insert

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