interject

verb

in·​ter·​ject ˌin-tər-ˈjekt 

interjected; interjecting; interjects

transitive verb

: to throw in between or among other things : interpolate

interject a remark

interjector

ˌin-tər-ˈjek-tər 

noun

interjectory

ˌin-tər-ˈjek-t(ə-)rē 

adjective

Did you know?

According to its Latin roots, interject ought to mean literally "throw between". For most of the word's history, however, the only things that have been interjected have been comments dropped suddenly into a conversation. Interjections are often humorous, and sometimes even insulting, and the best interjections are so quick that the conversation isn't even interrupted.

Synonyms

• edge in
• fit (in or into)
• inject
• insert
• insinuate
• intercalate
• interpolate
• interpose
• intersperse
• introduce
• sandwich (in or between)
• work in

Choose the Right Synonym for interject

introduce, insert, insinuate, interpolate, intercalate, interpose, interject mean to put between or among others.

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

insert implies putting into a fixed or open space between or among.

inserted a clause in the contract

insinuate implies introducing gradually or by gentle pressure.

insinuated himself into the group

interpolate applies to the inserting of something extraneous or spurious.

interpolated her own comments into the report

intercalate suggests an intrusive inserting of something in an existing series or sequence.

new chapters intercalated with the old

interpose suggests inserting an obstruction or cause of delay.

interpose barriers to communication

interject implies an abrupt or forced introduction.

interjected a question

Examples of interject in a Sentence

“That's an interesting idea,” he interjected, “but I don't think you've considered all of the details.”

She listened to us, interjecting remarks every so often.

If I may interject, I have things I'd like to add.

Recent Examples on the Web

Mia’s friends come to dinner and started sharing old memories, and Jacqueline simply had to interject and remind us that her memories with Mia are older. —Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2024

Elon attempted to interject before Kimbal again insisted the two brothers were immigrants during the early days of Zip2. —Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 26 Oct. 2024

Join 380 others in the comments View Comments Of course, the Harris campaign tried to impose a time limit on the interview, so perhaps Baier interjected more often because of the time pressure. —Brian Stelter, CNN, 17 Oct. 2024

But so few interject a sense of play into our sleep habits. —Todd Martens, Los Angeles Times, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin interjectus, past participle of intericere, from inter- + jacere to throw — more at jet

First Known Use

1588, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

interject

verb

in·​ter·​ject ˌint-ər-ˈjekt 

: to throw in between or among other things

interject a remark

interjector

-ˈjek-tər 

noun

interjectory

-t(ə-)rē 

adjective