Definition of intercalatenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb intercalate contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of intercalate are insert, insinuate, interject, interpolate, interpose, and introduce. While all these words mean "to put between or among others," intercalate suggests an intrusive inserting of something in an existing series or sequence.

new chapters intercalated with the old

When might insert be a better fit than intercalate?

While the synonyms insert and intercalate are close in meaning, insert implies putting into a fixed or open space between or among.

inserted a clause in the contract

In what contexts can insinuate take the place of intercalate?

Although the words insinuate and intercalate have much in common, insinuate implies introducing gradually or by gentle pressure.

insinuated himself into the group

When would interject be a good substitute for intercalate?

The meanings of interject and intercalate largely overlap; however, interject implies an abrupt or forced introduction.

interjected a question

When can interpolate be used instead of intercalate?

The words interpolate and intercalate can be used in similar contexts, but interpolate applies to the inserting of something extraneous or spurious.

interpolated her own comments into the report

When is it sensible to use interpose instead of intercalate?

The words interpose and intercalate are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, interpose suggests inserting an obstruction or cause of delay.

interpose barriers to communication

When could introduce be used to replace intercalate?

While in some cases nearly identical to intercalate, 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for intercalate
Verb
  • Initially, county officials declined to open the list, citing the security threat of inserting a thumb drive of unknown origin into a government computer.
    — Miles Parks, NPR, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Bake chicken until deeply browned and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a thigh registers 165°, 25–30 minutes.
    — Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 20 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Even the afternoon’s custom table runners, made from archival fabric by FIT Menswear students, nodded to the designer’s signature ikat print, first introduced in 1983.
    — Ariel Bielsky, Vogue, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The first in the ACOTAR series, the romantasy novel introduces us to Feyre Archeron, a human woman who agrees to go live in the fairie realm of Prythian in order to save her family.
    — Anna Moeslein, Glamour, 24 Oct. 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Intercalate.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/intercalate. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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