contain

verb

kən-ˈtān How to pronounce contain (audio)
Definition of containnext
1
as in to hold
to have within the top drawer of the cabinet contains my stamp collection

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to include
to have as part of a whole the contract contains several new clauses

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to comprise
to be made up of the recipe contains several parts

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to compose
to gain emotional or mental control of could hardly contain herself when she heard that she had won the scholarship

Synonyms & Similar Words
5
as in to regulate
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression) frantic efforts to contain the spread of the disease

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How is the word contain different from other verbs like it?

The words accommodate and hold are common synonyms of contain. While all three words mean "to have or be capable of having within," contain implies the actual presence of a specified substance or quantity within something.

the can contains a quart of oil

Where would accommodate be a reasonable alternative to contain?

The meanings of accommodate and contain largely overlap; however, accommodate stresses holding without crowding or inconvenience.

the hall can accommodate 500 people

When is it sensible to use hold instead of contain?

While in some cases nearly identical to contain, hold implies the capacity of containing or the usual or permanent function of containing or keeping.

the bookcase will hold all my textbooks

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 contain This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. — Will McCurdy, PCMAG, 15 Mar. 2025 The report contains data from Feb. 23 through March 8 and 428 inspections. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2025 For this reason, Daniel recommends opting for wipes that don’t contain alcohol, dyes or fragrances. — Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 14 Mar. 2025 This article contains spoilers about The Electric State. — Sydney Bucksbaum, EW.com, 14 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contain
  1. hold
  2. include
  3. comprise
  4. compose
  5. regulate
  6. boast
  7. involve
  8. calm
Verb
  • His divorce from ex-wife Anna Faris was not without drama, and he has been accused of belonging to a church that holds anti-LGBTQ views.
    — Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, StyleCaster, 17 Mar. 2025
  • Despite entering the final round four shots back, McIlroy held a commanding three-shot lead on the back nine.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
Definition of hold
Verb
  • The concert — which featured Three Days Grace, Sevendust and local headliner Disturbed — included pyrotechnics located directly underneath the banners.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • This rise aligns with broader economic trends, including increasing tuition costs and the lingering effects of inflation on family budgets.
    — Scott White, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of include
Verb
  • Altogether, the film is made up of over five hours of available footage comprising 48 different potential versions.
    — Patrick Brzeski, The Hollywood Reporter, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The company’s leadership team comprises Director Mani Sandoval, producers Gil Sandoval and Adam Hastings, as well as partners Daniel Sandoval and Joshua Ledezma.
    — Melanie Goodfellow, Deadline, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of comprise
Verb
  • Every product was determined to have excelled in each category by our editorial team, which is composed of in-house writers and editors as well as contributors—along with special consideration from editors, dermatologists, and aestheticians.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 22 Mar. 2025
  • The movement is composed of 514 pieces framed within a titanium baseplate, all of which come together to provide the impressive array of complications present.
    — Blake Buettner, Robb Report, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of compose
Verb
  • The Bloomberg News film includes interviews with parents involved in efforts to secure wins in the courts and the halls of power in Washington D.C. to regulate social media platforms.
    — Etan Vlessing, The Hollywood Reporter, 21 Mar. 2025
  • The outcome and the broader legal strategy behind the lawsuit could have far-reaching implications not only for Brazil but for any country or region – such as the European Union – attempting to regulate online spaces.
    — Camille Grenier, The Conversation, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of regulate
Verb
  • No other sports video game collector mode boasts as many single and multi-player options as Diamond Dynasty.
    — Brian Mazique, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025
  • The Mavericks also boast continuity, as their three leading scorers — Sutton, White and junior guard Tony Osborn — have played together at Omaha for three seasons.
    — Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 19 Mar. 2025
Definition of boast
Verb
  • The Trump administration is trying to deport two other people involved in protests against the war in Gaza at Columbia University.
    — Phil Helsel, NBC News, 21 Mar. 2025
  • While the Primary Wave deal closed just weeks after her death, sources said she was involved in nearly every aspect of the deal’s negotiations.
    — Karu F. Daniels, New York Daily News, 21 Mar. 2025
Definition of involve
Verb
  • Similarly, these calming messages about Donald Trump work by dulling the collective mind.
    — David Frum, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2025
  • Creators then layer the vocal mayhem with finger snaps and visual movement to create a mosaic of calming chaos.
    — Kieran Press-Reynolds, Pitchfork, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of calm

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Cite this Entry

“Contain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contain. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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