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 Add chicken to skillet, and cook, undisturbed, until light golden brown on both sides and an instant-read thermometer inserted into thickest part registers 165°F, 3 to 5 minutes per side. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 9 May 2025 Majerus’s laptop, and Arcangel’s archival work and performances, represent an effort to insert the visual legacy of our era into the longer arc of art history, to immortalize the ephemeral modus vivendi of a particular technological moment. Kyle Chayka, New Yorker, 7 May 2025 To explain this apparent contradiction, the team theorized that the material was likely inserted through the rectum. Katie Hunt, CNN Money, 2 May 2025 The team inserted this enzyme into Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron, a common member of the human gut microbiome. Jenny Lehmann, Discover Magazine, 2 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for insert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insert
Verb
  • The song played while the comedian introduced a Hot Topic about the Sean Combs trial.
    Joey Nolfi Published, EW.com, 14 May 2025
  • That was, until 2005 when New York introduced The Makeup Show, an international beauty and makeup show where artists Danessa Myricks, Tisha Thompson, Kim Baker, and Ashunta Sheriff-Kendricks met for the first time.
    India Espy-Jones, Essence, 14 May 2025
Verb
  • Elsewhere, Time Equities has been busy injecting new life into properties.
    David Moin, Footwear News, 19 May 2025
  • The movie opens with composer Alexandre Desplat injecting a dose of Lalo Schifrin-esque suspense into a low-altitude flight, as Korda calmly reads the sort of highly specialized nonfiction book that would put most men to sleep, when an explosion tears through the fuselage of his private plane.
    Peter Debruge, Variety, 18 May 2025
Verb
  • Scrape down sides of bowl, and add honey and lemon zest and juice.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 10 May 2025
  • Painted Brick Painting your front door to add a pop of color or updating your home's exterior with fresh paint is typically a great way to spruce up and appeal to buyers.
    Kristine Gill, Better Homes & Gardens, 10 May 2025
Verb
  • The 73-year-old coach’s girlfriend could also be seen sitting in the corner of the room during certain shots and could be heard interjecting.
    Sean Neumann, People.com, 1 May 2025
  • Benitez then interjects and makes a powerful speech about the importance of leading with love and peace over violence.
    Caroline Blair, People.com, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The ways that sound, emanating from speakers or depicted on album covers, was interpolated with the visual was indeed one of the exhibition’s most entrancing aspects and radical critical interventions.
    Ivy G. Wilson, Artforum, 1 May 2025
  • For the most part, the team behind this revival has re-orchestrated, re-arranged, heavily adapted, interpolated, and substantially altered the songs, both musically and lyrically, to such an extent that many now have a musical theater sound.
    Christian Lewis, Variety, 25 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Insert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insert. Accessed 23 May. 2025.

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