insert

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

Synonyms of insert

• introduce
• inject
• add
• interject
• interpolate

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

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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Isaac Collins got aboard with a leadoff single, and this time, Royals manager Matt Quatraro inserted pinch-runner Tyler Tolbert to run for him. —Kansas City Star, 6 June 2026

Hull the strawberries by inserting a paring knife into the stem end and twisting (alternatively, slice off the top to remove the stem). —Maddy Sweitzer-Lamme, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 June 2026

Before the true ad break begins, networks like to insert a little commercial bumper. —Joe Wilkins, Futurism, 4 June 2026

And men are indeed lengthening their limbs, flying to international clinics, having metal rods inserted into their bones, and then, after a brutal recovery process, relearning how to walk. —Brady Brickner-Wood, New Yorker, 4 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1529, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for insert

• alert
• assert
• avert
• dessert
• divert
• evert
• exert
• inert
• invert
• nightshirt
• overt
• revert

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