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
  • By introducing two obligatory pit stops, so the thinking went, teams would have to get creative with their strategy and liven up an event that has often felt too predictable of late.
    Dan Cancian, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • If the states are calling for term limits Congress should have the courage to act and introduce a bill to make term limits a reality without waiting for a convention.
    Avery Padraic Kerrigan, Hartford Courant, 26 May 2025
Verb
  • The election has also injected uncertainty into the economy.
    Jack Nicas, New York Times, 31 May 2025
  • The Trump administration’s ever-changing policies on tariffs and trade have injected chaos into the global energy economy.
    Dan Gearino, Wired News, 31 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
  • Bennet, who is now running for governor, and Tester largely ignored the protesters, who interjected throughout the event, as they were escorted out or asked by security not to disrupt.
    Nick Coltrain, Denver Post, 29 May 2025
  • Vance sat on the couch next to Trump and didn’t interject during the meeting, marking a difference in tone compared with that seen in the meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, when Vance stepped in to ask Zelensky to be more thankful to Trump.
    Brett Samuels, The Hill, 21 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
  • Holmes and Ellis interpolate a few songs from other Gilbert and Sullivan operettas, but most are rendered into duds and Pierce’s moments again prove the exception.
    Sara Holdren, Vulture, 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 5 Jun. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on insert

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