insert

verb

in-ˈsərt How to pronounce insert (audio)
Definition of insertnext
as in to introduce
to put among or between others surreptitiously inserted the book in its proper place on the shelf

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Trump also inserted himself into Israel’s domestic affairs, calling for Netanyahu’s yearslong corruption trial to be thrown out. —Joseph Krauss, Chicago Tribune, 11 July 2025 Flawless and Immaculate have traditionally been a stand-alone sets, but Panini inserted the brands and other high-end company labels like National Treasures and Noir within the Rookie Royalty boxes. —Larry Holder, New York Times, 10 July 2025 The story is riveting, heartbreaking and darkly humorous, and Reva, who was born in Ukraine, pulls off the neat meta trick of inserting herself into the story without losing her compelling narrative thrust. —Connie Ogle, Boston Herald, 10 July 2025 In the psychological thriller set in Los Angeles, the actor plays Matthew, a young retail clerk who cunningly inserts himself into the inner circle of a pop star (Archie Madekwe) with whom he’s become infatuated. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 8 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for insert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insert
  1. introduce
  2. inject
  3. add
  4. interject
  5. interpolate
Verb
  • While the duo filmed their scenes for the movie over the course of a month, there were a few days when one of the pair wasn’t working — and the generous parents didn’t miss out on the chance to bring baby Crew along to the set and even to introduce him to Sandler himself.
    — Luke Chinman, People.com, 25 July 2025
  • And Lee and Kirby continued to crank out their stories, introducing characters as varied and memorable as the Black Panther, Dr. Doom, Nick Fury, and Thor.
    — Oliver Staley, Time, 25 July 2025
Definition of introduce
Verb
  • Priya allegedly injected her business partner with a fatal overdose of sedatives, Joseph said.
    — Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 15 July 2025
  • That’s how much U.S. national parks visitors injected into local economies in 2023, including $26.4 billion in direct spending, according to an NPS report noting that national park visitation supported 415,000 jobs at local hotels, restaurants, attractions and shops.
    — Suzanne Rowan Kelleher, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Definition of inject
Verb
  • Inspired by the Greek myth of Icarus, the mural adds another layer to the museum's offerings. 700 Congress Ave.
    — Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 22 July 2025
  • Atlanta trailed 3-0 Sunday before Matt Olson’s 442-foot sixth-inning homer, and Ronald Acuña Jr. added a mammoth 456-foot homer in the ninth.
    — David O'Brien, New York Times, 21 July 2025
Definition of add
Verb
  • The judge interjected that related to federal capital cases only, rather than state-level.
    — Kevin Fixler, Idaho Statesman, 19 June 2025
  • Dominik Mysterio interjected and was booed vociferously.
    — Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 16 June 2025
Definition of interject
Verb
  • The original code interpolated the user input (term) into the SQL query string.
    — Mohit Menghnani, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
  • His backstory involves a terrible crash at the Spanish Grand Prix in his 30s that still gives him nightmares (and explains the film’s cryptic opening, in which calming ocean waves are interpolated with gritty video images of a high-speed race).
    — Damon Wise, Deadline, 17 June 2025
Definition of interpolate

Browse Nearby Words

in series
insert
inserted
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insert. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.

Copy Citation

Share

More from Merriam-Webster on insert

Nglish: Translation of insert for Spanish Speakers

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!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Using Bullet Points ( • )

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Better Ways to Say 'This Sucks'

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
See More

Popular

See More

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Our Best Historical Slang Terms

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
anagrams on a chalk board
Word Builder Quiz Pick the letter that when added to a word will ma...
See All