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 According to Rochford, when a skewer inserted inside the bread comes out clean, it’s done. Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025 Perkins Coie argues Trump acted outside the bounds of his executive authority in seeking to insert himself into matters that would otherwise be before the judicial branch. Rebecca Beitsch, The Hill, 11 Mar. 2025 During the nineteen-sixties and seventies, Danish doctors inserted intrauterine devices in thousands of Inuit girls and women, often without their consent, allegedly to control Greenland’s birth rate—an effort that Prime Minister Egede has described as an act of genocide. Louise Bokkenheuser, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2025 Given the current state of the world (insert deep sigh), a song about our collective anxiety couldn’t have resurfaced at a more appropriate time. Rania Aniftos, Billboard, 11 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insert
Verb
  • Instead, the Trump administration is attempting to introduce new considerations into the finding such as the cost of regulations.
    Axios, Axios, 15 Mar. 2025
  • This introduces a new layer of compliance, requiring businesses to balance efficiency with fairness in hiring decisions.
    Alonzo Martinez, Forbes, 14 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The treatment involves microneedling the skin on a person’s face with the salmon sperm (which can be injected with hyaluronic acid according to Dr. Gabriel Chiu who spoke with Variety in September 2024 about the trend).
    Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 20 Mar. 2025
  • Your healthcare provider will give you local anesthesia, usually by injecting a numbing medication into the toe.
    Carrie Madormo, RN, Health, 20 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The same is probable at defensive end, where the Packers must add players to the underwhelming duo of Rashan Gary and Lukas Van Ness.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The anonymous donor also pledged to add another $100,000 if more boosters match the initial donation.
    Edward Lee, Baltimore Sun, 11 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • These are typically songs with a catchy chorus, into which various characters then interject lines revealing information or private thoughts.
    Corinna da Fonseca-Wollheim, New York Times, 20 Jan. 2025
  • Joy Behar then interjected to correct Haines' word choice.
    EW.com, EW.com, 7 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Drake clearly took some inspiration from her, interpolating her flow and even adopting a few of her most quotable lines.
    Jeff Ihaza, Rolling Stone, 14 Feb. 2025
  • Boxer was tasked with developing a sweet riff on Guinness and oysters: a classic, harmonious pairing where the delicate, sweet iodine of the oysters interpolates with the bolshie caramel stout.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 6 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Insert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insert. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on insert

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