insider

noun

Synonyms of insidernext
: a person recognized or accepted as a member of a group, category, or organization: such as
a
: a person who is in a position of power or has access to confidential information
b
: a person (such as an officer or director) who is in a position to have special knowledge of the affairs of or to influence the decisions of a company

Examples of insider in a Sentence

Political insiders say that she is planning to run for president. The book gives fans an insider's view of Hollywood.
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Celebrity Beauty More Great Beauty Stories from Vogue Sign up for Vogue’s beauty newsletter to receive the insider’s guide to all things beauty and wellness. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 15 Aug. 2026 Analysts say the selection of a senior central bank insider could help reduce policy uncertainty. CNBC, 14 Aug. 2026 Leo claimed that he was not allowed to call his own witnesses as part of an investigation, which ITN insiders dispute, even though all those interviewed were his superiors. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 13 Aug. 2026 According to Hollywood insider Rob Shuter, Aniston isn’t judging Pitt. Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insider

Word History

First Known Use

1848, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insider was in 1848

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insider.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insider. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

Kids Definition

: a person who is a member of a special group or organization

Legal Definition

insider

noun
in·​sid·​er
: a person who is in a position of power or has access to confidential information: as
a
: one (as an officer, director, employee, relative, or owner of more than 10% of the corporation's stock) who is in a position to have special knowledge of the affairs of or to influence the decisions of a company
b
: an individual (as a relative or an influential party) or entity (as a corporate affiliate) having a close relationship with a debtor such that transactions are not made at arm's length and are subject to closer scrutiny than the transactions of those dealing at arm's length

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