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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 This interview contains major details of Sucker Punch‘s Ghost of Yōtei. Destiny Jackson, Deadline, 13 Oct. 2025 This loft also has a low ceiling and contains a double bed and some storage space. New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2025 Fire brigades dispatched multiple teams from nearby cities to contain the blaze. Joe Edwards, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 This advent calendar contains 12 natural, gluten-free chews suitable for dogs with allergies. Christine Persaud, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contain
Verb
  • But as Muttaqi went about a public relations blitz in India and held talks with Indian officials, deadly clashes erupted along the Durand Line border between Pakistan and Afghanistan in recent days.
    Happymon Jacob, Time, 16 Oct. 2025
  • Lyon has earned the net Alex Lyon was playing his fourth game in seven days and still held steady for most of the night.
    Matthew Fairburn, New York Times, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Saudi and Emirati private sector investments also span several projects, including an agreement with the United Arab Emirates's renewable champion Masdar to produce 1,000 megawatts of energy.
    Emma Graham, CNBC, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Siemens is investing €650 million ($754 million) in decarbonizing its business, which includes electrifying its 43,000 strong global vehicle fleet by 2030.
    Andrew Saunders, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • This groundbreaking structure comprises eight triangular steel sections that roll up to a perfect octagon in 2-3 minutes.
    Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 16 Oct. 2025
  • This story was produced with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and from donors comprising the South Florida Jewish and Muslim Communities, including Khalid and Diana Mirza, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
    Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 16 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • When fully integrated, the launch system is composed of both a 232-foot Super Heavy rocket and the 171-foot upper stage Starship, the spacecraft where crew and cargo would ride.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 14 Oct. 2025
  • The bridge is 641 feet long and is composed of more than 888 tons of structural steel.
    Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The ocean regulates our climate, supports global trade, and feeds communities.
    Olivier Wenden, Fortune, 14 Oct. 2025
  • American laws aren’t equipped to deal with the fast-moving ambitions of CEO Elon Musk, and Washington doesn’t seem in a hurry to regulate his company.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Today’s furniture industry instead relies on a global talent pool, with places like the Philippines and Indonesia boasting the skilled workforce that North Carolina once had.
    Matt Egan, CNN Money, 14 Oct. 2025
  • Perhaps, the most notable aspect of Sexton since his arrival centers around an area the Hornets have lacked in recent years while boasting one of the NBA’s youngest rosters.
    Roderick Boone, Charlotte Observer, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Risk assessment involves not only the amygdala but also the insula, which lies next to it.
    Big Think, Big Think, 18 Oct. 2025
  • Piastri was unhappy with the move, but McLaren opted against intervening during the race, which would have involved asking Norris to give the place back.
    Luke Smith, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The baby did not calm, did not acclimate.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 16 Oct. 2025
  • One week after the judge issued a sweeping order trying to calm the intense response of federal agents to protests against Immigration and Customs Enforcement and US Border Patrol activities in Chicago, Ellis told both sides to come back to her courtroom to have their own intense discussion.
    Josh Campbell, CNN Money, 16 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contain. Accessed 20 Oct. 2025.

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