Definition of intercalatenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb intercalate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intercalate are insert, insinuate, interject, interpolate, interpose, and introduce. While all these words mean "to put between or among others," intercalate suggests an intrusive inserting of something in an existing series or sequence.

new chapters intercalated with the old

When might insert be a better fit than intercalate?

While the synonyms insert and intercalate are close in meaning, insert implies putting into a fixed or open space between or among.

inserted a clause in the contract

In what contexts can insinuate take the place of intercalate?

Although the words insinuate and intercalate have much in common, insinuate implies introducing gradually or by gentle pressure.

insinuated himself into the group

When would interject be a good substitute for intercalate?

The meanings of interject and intercalate largely overlap; however, interject implies an abrupt or forced introduction.

interjected a question

When can interpolate be used instead of intercalate?

The words interpolate and intercalate can be used in similar contexts, but interpolate applies to the inserting of something extraneous or spurious.

interpolated her own comments into the report

When is it sensible to use interpose instead of intercalate?

The words interpose and intercalate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, interpose suggests inserting an obstruction or cause of delay.

interpose barriers to communication

When could introduce be used to replace intercalate?

While in some cases nearly identical to intercalate, 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intercalate
Verb
  • Nothing did, so three times over the course of twelve weeks the group bared their arms and allowed strangers to poke them with a needle, through which flowed something new, a substance never before inserted into human bodies.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 11 June 2026
  • Depositphotos In a new MIT study – in partnership with Purdue, Northwestern, and Duke universities – chemists have discovered that inserting weaker bonds into polystyrene actually makes the material more resistant to damage.
    Shirl Leigh June 10, New Atlas, 10 June 2026
Verb
  • Bryant charged Black church members in Kansas City to engage more with the community and introduce practical solutions.
    Freddrell Green, Kansas City Star, 7 June 2026
  • Last season Hustus handled more than 16,000 lobsters all while chatting animatedly with visitors from around the world—and often introducing them to their first tastes of lobster.
    Arati Menon, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 June 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Intercalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intercalate. Accessed 14 Jun. 2026.

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