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 next

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

Examples 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 The Eaton Fire near Pasadena is roughly one-third contained, while the largest blaze in Pacific Palisades on the coast is far less contained. —

Christopher Weber, Chicago Tribune, 14 Jan. 2025 There will be plenty of time for all that, but right now the fires continue to rage, and the heroic battle to contain them presses on. —

Mayer Rus, Architectural Digest, 14 Jan. 2025 This occurs when a high percentage of people in a community have developed immunity, ensuring that future outbreaks affect fewer individuals and are quickly contained. Humans, of course, are not the only species that benefits from the direct and indirect protections of vaccines. —

Simon F. Haeder, The Conversation, 14 Jan. 2025 Firefighters are still battling to contain the fire that broke out near Pasadena, destroying at least 7,000 homes and other structures and laying waste to entire neighborhoods. —

Christopher Weber, arkansasonline.com, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for contain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contain

Verb

As for 100 Vail Road, Tye Stockton of Compass holds the listing.

Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 16 Jan. 2025
Adam went on to post a 1.01 ERA over 27 appearances with the Padres, collecting 12 more holds to push his total to 31, seventh-most in the majors.

Jeff Sanders, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Jan. 2025