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 Roast until lightly browned and a skewer inserted all the way through the head and into the core meets some resistance, 40 to 45 minutes. —Christopher Kimball, The Denver Post, 13 Mar. 2025 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 Place in 350 degree oven and bake for 35 minutes, until a skewer inserted comes out clean. —Caron Golden, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Mar. 2025 They can be installed at more ergonomic heights than a range, which requires bending over to insert or retrieve items from oven cavities. —Jamie Gold, Forbes.com, 29 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insert
  1. introduce
  2. inject
  3. add
  4. interject
  5. interpolate
Verb
  • Senator Ruben Gallego, a Democrat from Arizona, has introduced legislation that would make overpayments from more than ten years ago no longer recoverable by the SSA.
    — Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
  • Earlier this month, Texas Representative David Spiller introduced a bill that would prohibit health insurance companies from using AI to delay, deny, or modify claims, legislation similar to what other states have brought forward.
    — Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025
Definition of introduce
Verb
  • Yet Sam’s Club is speeding up expansion at a surprising time: President Donald Trump’s broad and steep tariffs have shaken Wall Street and injected fresh uncertainty about price increases, the U.S. economic outlook and consumers’ willingness to spend.
    — Melissa Repko, CNBC, 9 Apr. 2025
  • However, Heyman's past alliances, most notably his managerial stint with CM Punk during Punk's significant championship run, inject a compelling layer of intrigue into this high-stakes triple-threat match that will headline night 1.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Definition of inject
Verb
  • New production adds just a few hundred fresh vehicles a month.
    — Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
  • Take a page from Prada’s book, and use them to add an unexpected burst of color to an otherwise neutral look.
    — Christina Holevas, Vogue, 15 Apr. 2025
Definition of add
Verb
  • Tapper interjected to note that Greer’s remarks were from a Senate testimony, not a media interview.
    — Lauren Irwin, The Hill, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Nichols, who's a mom herself, interjected with words of encouragement that both challenged and inspired parents and guardians in the room.
    — DeVonne Goode, Parents, 4 Apr. 2025
Definition of interject
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
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 21 Apr. 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

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

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Words You Always Have to Look Up

Democracy or Republic: What's the difference?

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes: A-Z List of Examples
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Birds Say the Darndest Things

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)
See More

Popular

See More

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

What do SCOTUS, POTUS, and FLOTUS mean?

8 Words with Fascinating Histories
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 Word Game 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
name that thing flower edition
Name That Flower Can you tell the difference between a lilac and a...
See All