interject

verb

in·​ter·​ject ˌin-tər-ˈjekt How to pronounce interject (audio)
interjected; interjecting; interjects

transitive verb

: to throw in between or among other things : interpolate
interject a remark
interjector noun
interjectory adjective

Did you know?

According to its Latin roots, interject ought to mean literally "throw between". For most of the word's history, however, the only things that have been interjected have been comments dropped suddenly into a conversation. Interjections are often humorous, and sometimes even insulting, and the best interjections are so quick that the conversation isn't even interrupted.

Choose the Right Synonym for interject

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

Example Sentences

“That's an interesting idea,” he interjected, “but I don't think you've considered all of the details.” She listened to us, interjecting remarks every so often. If I may interject, I have things I'd like to add.
Recent Examples on the Web Over the course of the proceedings, Pregerson interjected often, sometimes cutting off the county’s attorneys with clear annoyance or weary questions. Keri Blakinger, Los Angeles Times, 20 Apr. 2023 She was met with interruptions, prompting a board member to interject and ask that speakers be respected. Trisha Dasgupta, Dallas News, 1 Feb. 2022 Some owners or directors cannot control themselves and continually talk over others, interrupt, or otherwise interject themselves in a disruptive way into meetings. Kelly G. Richardson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 1 Apr. 2023 Multiple times, when a question was posed to Fabris, Beers interjected. Ryan Gabrielson, ProPublica, 25 Feb. 2023 Due to the lack of copious records a theoretical presupposition was able to interject itself into the data. Razib Khan, Discover Magazine, 17 Oct. 2010 John Owen’s father, Rob Lowe, 59, interjected from the other end of a sofa in a Netflix conference room in early March. Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 28 Mar. 2023 When Gallego, who attended the meeting virtually and interjected on Musa’s behalf to say Musa was clear about her position, Garcia shot back, saying the mayor should let Musa speak for herself. Juliette Rihl, The Arizona Republic, 23 Mar. 2023 After new season 26 cohost Alyssa Farah Griffin spoke out against fellow panelist Hostin's controversial quote from Thursday's episode of the long-running talk show, the pair engaged in a tense exchange that prompted the Oscar-winning actress to interject. Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 8 Nov. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'interject.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin interjectus, past participle of intericere, from inter- + jacere to throw — more at jet

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of interject was in 1588

Dictionary Entries Near interject

Cite this Entry

“Interject.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/interject. Accessed 9 Jun. 2023.

Kids Definition

interject

verb
in·​ter·​ject ˌint-ər-ˈjekt How to pronounce interject (audio)
: to throw in between or among other things
interject a remark
interjector noun
interjectory adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on interject

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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