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 Lawyers for the Department of Justice argued that Boasberg had overstepped his authority by inserting himself into questions of foreign policy. Joel Rose, NPR, 26 Mar. 2025 Click on the icon to insert the reference material into your document as a footnote. PCMAG, 25 Mar. 2025 No surprise, things got testy Referee Héctor Martínez inserted himself into the match regularly, handing out five yellow cards through the first half alone. Joshua Kloke, The Athletic, 21 Mar. 2025 This opens up the opportunity for sabotage by targeting the chip makers and hacking into their systems to insert malware. David Hambling, Forbes, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insert
Verb
  • Prior’s posthumously published 1843 memoir, Walks of Usefulness, drew on reports from these missionary visits, introducing the AFMRS to an even wider audience.
    Jenna Deep, Smithsonian Magazine, 27 Mar. 2025
  • One example is OpenAI’s research assistant, introduced in early 2025.
    Theo Schnitfink, Forbes.com, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Attackers can inject these cookies into their own browsers, skipping the need for passwords or two-factor authentication altogether.
    Kurt Knutsson, CyberGuy Report, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • In Asia, these ingredients are typically injected into the skin.
    Kathleen Ferraro, Verywell Health, 31 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Tariffs add on to the costs of an EV transition that was already volatile and uncertain, said Vanessa Miller, a litigation partner focused on automotive manufacturing at law firm Foley & Lardner.
    Time, Time, 4 Apr. 2025
  • Weber said residents rely on the township government to take care of roads and dissolving would mean adding a lot more employees to larger government entities.
    Catrina Barker | The Center Square contributor, The Washington Examiner, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Occasionally, fellow Democratic Senators interjected with lengthy questions—allowing Booker to briefly rest his voice without yielding the floor.
    Nik Popli, Time, 2 Apr. 2025
  • As Booker crossed the threshold marking a new record, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) interjected to acknowledge the feat, prompting applause and cheers from senators, staff, and onlookers who assembled in the chamber to witness the moment.
    Ramsey Touchberry, The Washington Examiner, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Part of Ayers’s respect in the hip-hop community is derived from his willingness to work with the artists who’ve sampled and interpolated him.
    Andre Gee, Rolling Stone, 6 Mar. 2025
  • The song has been sampled or interpolated over 150 times, according to Whosampled.
    Bethy Squires, Vulture, 5 Mar. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Insert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insert. Accessed 10 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on insert

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