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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Verb

There seems to be a whole lot inserted in between the creative. —Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 12 Apr. 2024

The traps are odorless, easy to insert, completely non-toxic to humans and pets, UV-resistant, and waterproof. —Monica Bell, Peoplemag, 10 Apr. 2024

More likely, though, the lister will insert a clause in the sales contract saying that the buy-side agent’s share will be paid at closing. —Lew Sichelman, Miami Herald, 9 Apr. 2024

In 2014 and 2016, Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) vetoed language that Republicans had inserted in the budget to prevent him from expanding Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act without legislative sign-off. —Laura Vozzella, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2024

Many methods are also ever-improving: IUDs, implants, and injections now have longer lifespans and are easier to insert and remove; doses of hormonal contraception have dramatically decreased. —Katherine J. Wu, The Atlantic, 3 Apr. 2024

Bake cake layers: Bake at 350°F for 16 to 20 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. —Southern Living Test Kitchen, Southern Living, 30 Mar. 2024

These warnings include careful positioning of the pump during procedures, using imaging when advancing the pump and using special care when inserting the pump. —Mira Cheng, CNN, 29 Mar. 2024

Myanmar’s junta has reluctantly turned to China for support, and Beijing, initially displeased with the coup, has begun inserting itself into the conflict and country more forcefully than in the past. —Timothy McLaughlin, The Atlantic, 4 Apr. 2024

Noun

Before Gould, such splices, inserts, dubbings and other tools of the recording engineers were generally seen as remedies for brief mistakes, sometimes of a single note. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2024

The pillow features a removable insert that can be replaced with a few days’ worth of clothes. —Becca Blond, Travel + Leisure, 17 Mar. 2024

Toro includes a collection bag, vacuum tube, bottom-zip bag, power insert, concentrator nozzle and cord storage hook with this unit. —Rachel Ahrnsen, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Feb. 2024

The brand known for its tech-savvy and custom-fit shoe inserts has gone a step farther by creating cushioned sneakers designed around comfort. —Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 30 Mar. 2024

Our tester normally wears inserts and didn’t need to with these shoes. —Madison Yauger, Peoplemag, 27 Mar. 2024

The device collected milk inside a bra insert rather than an exterior container. —Sydney Page, Washington Post, 18 Mar. 2024

The insert can be reversed once your baby arrives for babywearing. —Dorian Smith-Garcia, Parents, 23 Feb. 2024

While the Miracle 360 cup is advertised as spill proof, a determined toddler can easily remove the top insert that prevents beverages from pouring out. —Lauren Wellbank, Parents, 20 Mar. 2024

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