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 The neuroscientist Sulayman Dib-Hajj, also at Yale, inserted the mutant SCN9A gene into neurons. Rivka Galchen, New Yorker, 26 May 2025 When the Nuggets needed energy from their bench in their second-round series against OKC, Adelman inserted Julian Strawther into his rotation, and Strawther responded with a 15-point Game 6 that helped force Game 7. Sam Amick, New York Times, 22 May 2025 Cook until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part the chicken registers 165 degrees, 10 to 14 minutes longer, depending on thickness. Lynda Balslev, Mercury News, 21 May 2025 Those who opt for implants could receive $75 at the time it is inserted, $100 six months after and $125 one year later. Nora O’Neill, Charlotte Observer, 15 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for insert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insert
Verb
  • Learners are introduced to core topics like threat modeling, compliance, and business continuity planning, along with technical concepts such as network protocols, cryptography, and secure system architecture.
    StackCommerce Team, PC Magazine, 26 May 2025
  • At his father’s funeral in 1957, he was introduced to Francois Truffaut, and the French legend hired him to write and direct one of the five segments in Love at Twenty (1962).
    Duane Byrge, HollywoodReporter, 26 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
  • Its contrasting cuffs and hemline are made with light wash blue denim, adding a retro feel that offsets the jacket’s black hue.
    Ali Faccenda, People.com, 23 May 2025
  • And the bill would also add trillions to the national debt.
    Philip Elliott, Time, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • DeLauro interjected, continuing to press her if USDA is committed to the program.
    Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2025
  • 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
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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insert. Accessed 2 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on insert

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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