Synonym Chooser

How does the verb insert contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of insert are insinuate, intercalate, interject, interpolate, interpose, and introduce. While all these words mean "to put between or among others," insert implies putting into a fixed or open space between or among.

inserted a clause in the contract

When is it sensible to use insinuate instead of insert?

The words insinuate and insert are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, insinuate implies introducing gradually or by gentle pressure.

insinuated himself into the group

When can intercalate be used instead of insert?

In some situations, the words intercalate and insert are roughly equivalent. However, intercalate suggests an intrusive inserting of something in an existing series or sequence.

new chapters intercalated with the old

In what contexts can interject take the place of insert?

While in some cases nearly identical to insert, interject implies an abrupt or forced introduction.

interjected a question

When is interpolate a more appropriate choice than insert?

Although the words interpolate and insert have much in common, interpolate applies to the inserting of something extraneous or spurious.

interpolated her own comments into the report

Where would interpose be a reasonable alternative to insert?

The synonyms interpose and insert are sometimes interchangeable, but interpose suggests inserting an obstruction or cause of delay.

interpose barriers to communication

When would introduce be a good substitute for insert?

While the synonyms introduce and insert are close in meaning, 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

Example Sentences

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.
Recent Examples of insert Bake until a wooden pick inserted in center of Cake comes out clean, about 50 minutes. Sheri Castle, Southern Living, 1 Oct. 2025 The film directly points to the enemy, wealthy white supremacists who have inserted themselves into positions of political and military power, and ownership over businesses built on immigrant labor. Richard Newby, HollywoodReporter, 30 Sep. 2025 Salter was briefly benched for third-string Ryan Staub against Houston before being inserted back into the starting lineup against BYU. Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Sep. 2025 Second up is something a bit more left-field; the 2023-24 Topps Merlin Gamers insert. Andrew MacKie, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insert
Verb
  • Chavarria, who introduced Delta Dental’s first menopause report three years ago, says policies such as remote work can help.
    Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • The training introduces the concepts used in stream team monitoring such as hydrology, natural and human impact on streams and monitoring methods.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Alongside colleagues in Japan in the 1980s and 1990s, Sakaguchi wanted to figure out why, when batches of immune cells from healthy mice were injected into mice that had their thymuses removed, the cells didn't trigger an autoimmune disease.
    Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 6 Oct. 2025
  • Manufacturers inject or coat turkey or chicken with a solution of butter, oil, broth, salt, or seasonings before packaging.
    Merve Ceylan, Health, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • MacLean added that Venezuelans with TPS who are currently in custody and lack any other form of protection will now face a serious risk of deportation.
    Syra Ortiz Blanes, Miami Herald, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Hershey’s Chocolate World also adds a layer of fall fun with trick-or-treating throughout the world’s largest candy store, character meet-and-greets, and new treats to try.
    Beth Luberecki, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • As the reporter continues speaking, though, Holland then interjects with a quick correction.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 30 Sep. 2025
  • Pirro interjected in response to a reporter’s question about the matter.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 24 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Her paintings from the 1960s are themselves interpolated by the body’s surrogates: fluid stains, eyes, claws, and extracted human teeth.
    Elizabeth Mangini, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2025
  • To commemorate the release, Jones spoke with Variety about interpolating Brandy for one of the deluxe album’s tracks, name-checking Chappell Roan on another and plans for her wedding after she got engaged to Donovan Mitchell last month.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Insert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insert. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on insert

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