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 For this test, a doctor inserts a gloved, lubricated finger into your rectum to feel for swelling, bleeding, and any prostate abnormalities. Mark Gurarie, Health, 12 Sep. 2025 The new model opens up to insert a Switch to serve as the screen, but for those who don’t want to drop a ton of cash on a gimmick, there’s a more affordable cardboard cutout facsimile that will also be available. Christopher Cruz, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2025 For larger separations, a flexible foam strip can be inserted before caulking to create a tighter seal. Elizabeth Fogarty, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Sep. 2025 The seafloor within the rings around the barrels had hardened like concrete, preventing them from collecting samples with a coring device that would be inserted into the seafloor. Maura Fox, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for insert
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insert
Verb
  • The training introduces the concepts used in stream team monitoring such as hydrology, natural and human impact on streams and monitoring methods.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Punk introduced himself as AJ Lee’s husband.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Elon Musk’s surprising disclosure of his roughly $1 billion Tesla share purchases injected a vote of support in the volatile electric vehicle maker, setting it up for a strong end to a challenging 2025.
    Yun Li, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2025
  • The win injected fresh momentum into their playoff push, stretching their lead over the San Francisco Giants to a game and a half.
    Julio Cesar Valdera Morales, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Testing in a model plant The team added the McG cycle genes to Arabidopsis thaliana, a small weed often used in plant research.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025
  • Vengathattil added that hospitals do not need to wait years to see the benefits.
    Matthew Kayser, USA Today, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Ainscough, a Studio Ashby alum who launched her solo design practice in 2020, took those distinctive doors as a starting point for the scheme of gentle greens, blues, and golden yellows—interjected with bold jolts of cherry and crimson.
    Fiona McCarthy, Architectural Digest, 9 Sep. 2025
  • After the host suggested that Belly has to choose Jeremiah or Conrad, Han interjected.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Her paintings from the 1960s are themselves interpolated by the body’s surrogates: fluid stains, eyes, claws, and extracted human teeth.
    Elizabeth Mangini, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2025
  • To commemorate the release, Jones spoke with Variety about interpolating Brandy for one of the deluxe album’s tracks, name-checking Chappell Roan on another and plans for her wedding after she got engaged to Donovan Mitchell last month.
    Steven J. Horowitz, Variety, 15 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Insert.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insert. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on insert

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