involve

verb

in-ˈvälv How to pronounce involve (audio)
Definition of involvenext
1
as in to affect
to be the business or affair of this isn't something that involves you, so don't worry about it

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance
2
as in to include
to have as part of a whole a tragic play usually involves a number of plot devices, including the hero's fatal flaw

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to interest
to hold the attention of her blissful daydream so completely involved her that she never heard the knock on the door

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to wrap
to surround or cover closely a mind that was deeply involved in doubt about his wife's fidelity

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb involve contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of involve are comprehend, embrace, and include. While all these words mean "to contain within as part of the whole," involve suggests inclusion by virtue of the nature of the whole, whether by being its natural or inevitable consequence.

the new job involves a lot of detail

When can comprehend be used instead of involve?

The synonyms comprehend and involve are sometimes interchangeable, but comprehend implies that something comes within the scope of a statement or definition.

his system comprehends all history

When would embrace be a good substitute for involve?

The words embrace and involve are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, embrace implies a gathering of separate items within a whole.

her faith embraces both Christian and non-Christian beliefs

When might include be a better fit than involve?

The meanings of include and involve largely overlap; however, include suggests the containment of something as a constituent, component, or subordinate part of a larger whole.

the price of dinner includes dessert

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 involve The Indiana Hospital Association includes the hospitals involved in the lawsuit. — Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 At the top of this year, the Daytime Emmy-winner got the police involved during an incident at Jeezy’s residence in January. — Regina Cho, VIBE.com, 20 Mar. 2025 High profile criminal cases in the Sacramento region have involved evidence showing young people using their social media accounts, such as Snapchat, to sell or and find fentanyl to buy. — Rosalio Ahumada, Sacramento Bee, 20 Mar. 2025 However, sources say she was involved in nearly every aspect of the deal’s negotiations. — Jem Aswad, Variety, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for involve
Recent Examples of Synonyms for involve
  1. affect
  2. include
  3. interest
  4. wrap
  5. concern
  6. contain
  7. occupy
  8. envelop
Verb
  • His footwork, his mindset, and he’s not affected by having one bad play.
    — Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 20 Mar. 2025
  • The crash affected entry into the Port of Baltimore for weeks as the debris blocked entry for other ships.
    — Ayesha Ali, ABC News, 20 Mar. 2025
Definition of affect
Verb
  • 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
  • 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
Definition of include
Verb
  • Its financial weakness should interest all Chicagoans; its departures from academic values, and the failures of its leadership structure, should be studied by everyone interested in higher education.
    — Clifford Ando, Chicago Tribune, 9 Mar. 2025
  • Related Articles Dolphins bringing back two players as exclusive rights free agents Ten prospects who improved their draft stock at the combine — and might interest Dolphins General manager Chris Grier was noncommittal on Holland at his season wrap-up new conference in January.
    — Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 4 Mar. 2025
Definition of interest
Verb
  • The movie wrapped production in August, and both Lohan and Curtis commemorated their onscreen reunion on Instagram at that time.
    — Tommy McArdle, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • As of right now, our little run with NXT is wrapped.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of wrap
Verb
  • Plus, top economist Diane Swonk on what most concerns her about the economy right now.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Mar. 2025
  • However, many experts warn that the shortage of another crucial metal, used in electronics, wiring and even plumbing could be just as concerning.
    — Scott Neuman, NPR, 16 Mar. 2025
Definition of concern
Verb
  • The report contains data from Feb. 23 through March 8 and 428 inspections.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Some of the fires are continuing, according to the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food & Forestry, which identified the New State fire in Pittsburg County to have burned 200 acres and 90 percent contained.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of contain
Verb
  • But people who occupy public spaces thinking that kids won't be a part of it are beyond me.
    — Raja Krishnamoorthi, Newsweek, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Columbia University said students who occupied the campus' Hamilton Hall during pro-Palestinian protests last spring have been expelled, suspended for several years or had their degrees temporarily revoked.
    — Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of occupy
Verb
  • Photos of the execution equipment at the Louisiana State Penitentiary obtained by The Guardian showed a blue mask, which envelops a person’s whole face, connected to several pipes, where the gas will enter.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 18 Mar. 2025
  • Reclining in camp chairs, audiences were enveloped by panoramic visuals and sound, redefining what an album-listening experience could be.
    — Charlie Fink, Forbes, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of envelop

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Cite this Entry

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

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