CONTAIN Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

contain

verb

kən-ˈtān

Definition of contain

as in to hold

to have within the top drawer of the cabinet contains my stamp collection

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to include

to have as part of a whole the contract contains several new clauses

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to comprise

to be made up of the recipe contains several parts

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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 So any fractal that contains uninterrupted lines breaks the fractal uncertainty principle. — Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 12 Aug. 2026 But the mellow vibes are ruined when a goofy case of mistaken identity results in Frankie coming home with a briefcase containing several vials of a glowing orange goo. — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 12 Aug. 2026 Some users appeared to grow uneasy, even as Polymarket let people bet on whether the fires would spread to nearby counties or when they might be contained. — Cole Reynolds, Washington Post, 12 Aug. 2026 That conclusion does not stay contained to the people who were let go. — Avy Punwasee, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for contain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contain

Verb

In China, anyone who holds a position of authority is almost certainly a party member, and being kicked out of the party means the end of one’s political career.

— Sylvie Zhuang, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
Qatar’s armed forces captured and are holding three Iranian pilots who went missing in March when their jets were downed, the Missing Persons Committee of Iran’s Armed Forces General Staff said.

— ABC News, ABC News, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of hold

Verb

Because growing the rice itself is not profitable, even with historic high prices for Japanese rice, the company supports the agricultural costs through side ventures including a restaurant and an ice cream brand launched this summer.

— Christopher Elliott, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
As Emmy voting gets underway, the show landed 11 nominations, including an outstanding host for a reality or reality competition program nod for RuPaul.

— Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 16 Aug. 2026

Definition of include

Verb

Running September 10–20, before streaming September 21–27, the event will comprise 87 feature-length and short films by 2SLGBTQIA+ creators alongside parties, filmmaker Q&As, workshops, and community events.

— Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 14 Aug. 2026
The living quarters comprise a sumptuous salon and dining area, plus five generous guest cabins that can sleep up to 10 guests.

— Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of comprise

Verb

Expand the Legislative Ethics Commission — which oversees the IG and is composed entirely of General Assembly members — to include public representatives.

— David Greising, Chicago Tribune, 14 Aug. 2026
Mishra composed four of the soundtrack’s six songs, sharing the album with Ravi Basrur, Tanishk Bagchi and Faheem Abdullah.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of compose

Verb

For the ultimate glamping experience, the Vista Airstream Suite boasts a luxurious outdoor shower.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
Perched on the coast of Saturna Island—part of Canada’s South Gulf Islands—this modern two-bedroom boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and a direct view of the ocean.

— Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026

Definition of boast

Verb

Nationally, emergency medicine physicians are doing so by advocating for improved helmeting and educating parents of the risks involved with e-scooters.

— Narmeen Khan, Chicago Tribune, 13 Aug. 2026
In speaking with folks who live here, they are thrilled the city is now getting involved but are hesitant to claim any kind of victory just yet.

— CBS News, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of involve

Verb

Markets have since calmed since that early peak, but prices are still significantly higher than before the conflict and rose again early Friday after the most recent remarks from Vance and others.

— Alexander Smith, NBC news, 14 Aug. 2026
Thom tries to get Robert to calm down, and the two start fighting.

— Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of calm

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contagium

contain

contained

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Style

“Contain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contain. Accessed 19 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of contain

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