insert

1 of 2

verb

in·​sert in-ˈsərt 

inserted; inserting; inserts

transitive verb

1

: to put or thrust in

insert the key in the lock

2

: to put or introduce into the body of something : interpolate

insert a change in a manuscript

3

: to set in and make fast

especially : to insert by sewing between two cut edges

4

: to place into action (as in a game)

insert a new pitcher

intransitive verb

of a muscle : to be in attachment to the part to be moved

inserter noun

insert

2 of 2

noun

in·​sert ˈin-ˌsərt 

: something that is inserted

especially : written or printed material inserted (as between the leaves of a book)

Synonyms

Verb

• edge in
• fit (in or into)
• inject
• insinuate
• intercalate
• interject
• interpolate
• interpose
• intersperse
• introduce
• sandwich (in or between)
• work in

Choose the Right Synonym for insert

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 insert in a Sentence

Verb

Insert your credit card here.

You need to insert a comma between these two words.

insert a space between paragraphs

They tried to insert themselves into the conversation.

Noun

The pot comes with an insert for steaming.

advertising inserts in the Sunday paper

Each box includes an insert explaining the product's proper use.

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Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

To use them, simply insert the tray over your teeth, bite down, and wear the tray for 15 minutes. —Korin Miller, wsj.com, 20 Sep. 2023

Synchron inserts its device via a surgical incision in the base of the neck and then maneuvers the implant to its destination in the brain. —Sarah McBride, Fortune, 19 Sep. 2023

Prior to Musk’s Twitter takeover, Emanuel reportedly inserted himself into the dispute between Twitter’s board and Musk over the latter’s attempt to back out of the deal. —Todd Spangler, Variety, 15 Sep. 2023

Add orzo, and cook until a thermometer inserted in thickest part of chicken registers 165°F and potatoes and orzo are tender, about 10 minutes more. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2023

There was an additional question to insert a preamble to the Constitution that would recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original inhabitants of the land. —Karla Grant, refinery29.com, 14 Sep. 2023

At Gabriela Hearst, there was lightness in the chiffon inserts hidden between the pleats of an otherwise no-nonsense cotton trench and in the tiny glass beads handwoven into a crocheted fishnet dress. —Vanessa Friedman, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2023

There are options to create photo booth style pictures with multiple photos, add filters and borders, and insert an SD card to save tons of photos onto your laptop. —Alida Nugent, Better Homes & Gardens, 12 Sep. 2023

To perform an epidural, an anesthesiologist places a needle into the space surrounding the spinal cord and then inserts a small tube through the needle. —Kristi Pahr, Parents, 8 Sep. 2023

Noun

Don't leave flammable items like oven mitts and wooden spoons right next to your slow cooker, and follow manufacturer instructions to avoid overfilling the insert. —Southern Living Editors, Southern Living, 15 Sep. 2023

The Sensi-Touch sanded carbon blank is balanced and paired with 316 stainless steel guides with hard chrome inserts. —Rob McDonald, Field & Stream, 13 Sep. 2023

This means solidifying a relaxing wind-down routine by stocking up on pillows, duvet inserts, weighted blankets, and all the other accessories that encourage rest. —Sarah Madaus, SELF, 11 Sep. 2023

Getting to that temperature isn’t an issue when it’s used to paint metal stoves, metal fireplace inserts, or even barbecues. —Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, 8 Sep. 2023

The fabric seat, harness covers, and newborn inserts are machine washable for easy clean-up. —Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 18 Aug. 2023

Thick, heavy inserts will be warmer, while light, thin inserts will be cooler. —Shivani Vyas, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Aug. 2023

The glass lid and stoneware insert are dishwasher safe, but the size of the insert may be hard to load. —Carrie Honaker, Southern Living, 8 Sep. 2023

To emulate the taste of fresh fries, Van Leeuwen created French-fry inserts using Idaho potato flakes. —Marc Bona, cleveland, 1 Sep. 2023

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Word History

Etymology

Verb

Latin insertus, past participle of inserere, from in- + serere to join — more at series

First Known Use

Verb

1529, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Noun

circa 1889, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

insert

1 of 2 verb

in·​sert in-ˈsərt 

1

: to put or place in

inserted the key in the lock

insert a word in a sentence

2

: to set in and make fast

insert the tab into the slot

inserter noun

insert

2 of 2 noun

in·​sert ˈin-ˌsərt 

: something that is or is meant to be inserted

especially : printed sheets inserted (as in a newspaper)

Medical Definition

insert

intransitive verb

in·​sert in-ˈsərt 

of a muscle

: to be in attachment to the part to be moved