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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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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 If oxygen bleach doesn't fully remove a stain, try a product that contains both oxygen bleach and enzymes, like Tide Ultra Oxi. Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025 The work contains sonorous bouts of sorrow, but rage is its primary register. Alex Ross, New Yorker, 6 Oct. 2025 That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Brittany Lubeck, Verywell Health, 6 Oct. 2025 These supplements can contain different organism strains, like Streptococcus, Enterococcus, Bacillus, and Bifidobacterium. Kirstyn Hill, Health, 6 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contain
Verb
  • Advertisement An investigation led by the Guardian found in September that out of the 6,000 Palestinians from Gaza held by Israel since the Hamas terror attack two years ago, only one quarter were held on suspicion of militant links.
    Callum Sutherland, Time, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Second, ensure the whole executive team fully buys into the idea and holds others accountable for implementation.
    Adam Gale, Fortune, 9 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This decadent dish included Maltina beef, braised greens, and party jollof.
    Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The creation of this content included the use of AI based on templates created, reviewed and edited by journalists in the newsroom.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 8 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The 52-acre property, which was recently overhauled by winemaker Catherine Blagden, her partner Mary Ricks, and their longtime interior designer Jennifer Miller, comprises the area’s quintessential rolling hills, centuries-old oak trees, and lush vineyards.
    Morgan Goldberg, Architectural Digest, 10 Oct. 2025
  • An international force, comprised largely of troops from Arab and Muslim countries, would be responsible for security inside Gaza.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Across five starts, Thiaw has been quietly composed.
    Chris Waugh, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • During setup, NordLocker generates a 25-character recovery key, composed of numbers and capital letters, and advises you to store it in a secure location.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • While employer support is still low, fewer than 5% offer meaningful programs, more companies are adding improved coverage for hormone therapy, paid time off and even regulating the office thermostat.
    Laura Trujillo, USA Today, 7 Oct. 2025
  • What To Do Instead Adding a little butter or oil to your nonstick pan while preheating can create a buffer that helps regulate the temperature and protect the coating.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Islanders do boast one excellent defensive option in Pelech, and Romanov has matured into a solid two-way D who can eat more than 20 minutes a night.
    Harman Dayal, New York Times, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Priced at $26, the long-lasting color boasts a lightweight formula that promises to not feather, pill or bleed.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • No other vehicles appeared to have been involved in the crash, and damage to the surrounding area was limited to the parking lot, Nunez said.
    Rosalio Ahumada, Sacbee.com, 10 Oct. 2025
  • In addition to the exploding festival stage, there’s a drunken bachelorette wreck, plus a jaw-dropping boy-with-the-red-balloon moment involving a little girl and a kite.
    Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 10 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Not nearly as greasy as a true balm, but richer than your typical face cream, this drugstore darling instantly soothes dry, chapped skin with the help of emollient shea butter, moisturizing vitamin B5, and calming madecassoside (a derivative of our fave, Centella asiastica, or cica for short).
    Lily Wohlner, Allure, 9 Oct. 2025
  • Accent the backyard decor with calming shades of brown, gold, and orange.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contain. Accessed 12 Oct. 2025.

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