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 lobby is lined with sparkling white marble and littered with glass display cabinets containing golden animal models made by local artisans. —

Caroline Reid, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Federal prosecutors have arrested, charged and convicted dozens of people for making death threats against workers, and elections offices across the country have been mailed envelopes containing white powder and threats. —

Trevor Hughes, USA TODAY, 5 Nov. 2024 Most dark chocolate products contain between 70 and 85% cocoa, though certain types can contain much lower and higher cocoa percentages. —

Jillian Kubala, Health, 28 Oct. 2024 Many cooking sprays are made with refined oils, containing additives and propellants that aren't ideal for health-conscious cooks. —

Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 28 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contain

Verb

Taking care of the unfinished business holding you back is up to you.

Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 10 Nov. 2024
In other stories a tour guide holds tourists hostage in a creepy cemetery and a teenager tries to find her mother, missing from their hotel in Cancun.

Mary Ann Grossmann, Twin Cities, 10 Nov. 2024