Definition of insertnext

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 lightly browned and a thermometer registers 160° F when inserted into the center of the loaves, about 40 minutes. Karla Walsh, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 May 2026 In December, Haushalter took the unusual step of trying to insert herself into the lawsuit against Saline Township—as a defendant alongside the municipality that had already settled the case. Sharon Goldman, Fortune, 6 May 2026 The consumer group proposed several cost-saving alternatives such as inserting liners or decommissioning pipes to catalyze a transition to all-electric homes. Robert Channick, Chicago Tribune, 6 May 2026 While the patients were under general anesthesia, surgeons temporarily inserted thin probes into their hippocampus. Jacek Krywko, Scientific American, 6 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for insert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insert
Verb
  • He was introduced at a rally alongside San Diego Bay.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 May 2026
  • Spirit introduced itself to the market, five years later, as Charter One.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Meanwhile, the biogas itself contains large amounts of carbon dioxide – often around 35% to 40% – reducing its direct usefulness as a fuel and requiring additional upgrading before it can be injected into natural gas infrastructure as renewable natural gas.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 9 May 2026
  • Blue is officially fired for injecting a patient with an unapproved drug, and in a devastating twist, he is humiliated by and forced to give his badge back to Richard in front of Catherine (Debbie Allen).
    Max Gao, Variety, 8 May 2026
Verb
  • There's also intense summer heat to worry about (an average daytime high of 105°F/41°C in Luxor), adding another layer of preparation.
    Jamie Carter, Space.com, 10 May 2026
  • The Pisces Moon adds imagination to strategy and helps good ideas connect.
    Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 10 May 2026
Verb
  • As Cretton and Guest looked on and occasionally interjected, Abdul-Mateen described a tough first Zoom meeting that left him feeling slighted.
    Borys Kit, HollywoodReporter, 30 Apr. 2026
  • Hudson interrupted Belichick's CBS interview when interviewer Tony Dokoupil asked how the two met, and, CBS said, interjected several other times throughout.
    Alex Apatoff, PEOPLE, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • There are interpolated bits of backstory to explain character — Simon and Jack would be left at school over Christmas by their parents (abusive and cold, respectively).
    Robert Lloyd, Boston Herald, 7 May 2026
  • The song hit No. 1 for three weeks and has since been interpolated by both Taylor Swift and Drake, each landing their own chart-toppers.
    Ryan Brennan April 8, Miami Herald, 8 Apr. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insert. Accessed 11 May. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on insert

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster