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

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

Other diagnostic tests include: Bronchoscopy: A healthcare provider will insert a tube with a small camera and light (bronchoscope) through your nose or mouth to look down your throat and into your lungs. —Leah Groth, Health, 30 Mar. 2024

There’s a lot of overconfidence about our ability to insert ourselves into very complicated dynamics. —Virginia Heffernan, WIRED, 27 Mar. 2024

Expand All Idaho’s attempt to execute death row prisoner Thomas Creech, 73, was halted an hour into his scheduled lethal injection after prison officials were unable to establish a vein to insert an IV, according to the Idaho prison system. —Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 26 Mar. 2024

Attorney General Dana Nessel interpreted the tax cut trigger — inserted into a 2015 road funding law — to apply for one year only. —Paul Egan, Detroit Free Press, 25 Mar. 2024

The doctors must still insert implants into my jaw as a part of the reconstruction process. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 23 Mar. 2024

In addition, seven human genes were inserted to enhance human compatibility. —Roni Caryn Rabin, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2024

Punch a hole about 1 inch away from top right corner of the card, and insert embroidery thread through it, taking it to the first slit (make sure the thread wraps over the front of the card). —Nicole Harris, Parents, 20 Mar. 2024

Noun

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

Its unidirectional bezel includes a polished sapphire insert with green Super-LumiNova for clear day and night time reading. —Matthew Catellier, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024

Brandi Iberia, who has been at the Milwaukee station since last summer, is hosting local inserts during Harvey's show. —Chris Foran, Journal Sentinel, 26 Feb. 2024

The insert snaps into place inside the tote so everything stays safe and secure. —Erika Reals, Peoplemag, 21 Feb. 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