1
as in to stop
slang
to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end
can the chatter, or I'm kicking you out of this library
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to remove
to let go from office, service, or employment
the cashier was summarily canned for stealing from the registers
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
2
as in jail
a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody
the racketeers were rounded up and thrown in the can
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in restroom
a room furnished with a fixture for flushing body waste
I excused myself and asked if I could use the can
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in seat
the part of the body upon which someone sits
he fell on the ice and landed on his can
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 can
Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025
On the high end, a child can need 14 cans totaling $420 a month.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
With a 15 percent price increase, the same amount of money that beneficiary spends would cover only six cans.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025
Deco Brothers Stackable Can Rack Organizer Canned foods are essential in every pantry, but stacking cans on top of each other can be a recipe for disaster when heavy cans topple over (especially for your toes).
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for can
Noun
With that in mind, Lilly walking in front of cans of Calumet at the grocery store feels intentional.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2025
On the high end, a child can need 14 cans totaling $420 a month.
—Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 31 Oct. 2025
With a 15 percent price increase, the same amount of money that beneficiary spends would cover only six cans.
—Yasmin Tayag, The Atlantic, 31 Oct. 2025
Deco Brothers Stackable Can Rack Organizer Canned foods are essential in every pantry, but stacking cans on top of each other can be a recipe for disaster when heavy cans topple over (especially for your toes).
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for can
Recent Examples of Synonyms for can
Verb
-
On third-and-1 with seven seconds left, Schakel took the snap and tried to spike the ball, which would have stopped the clock and given his team one final play to go for the win.—
Alex Valdes,
New York Times,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Among those who do use an advisor, 26% are considering switching and 18% may stop using an advisor altogether.—
Robert Frank,
CNBC,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
These risks have prompted the United States, China, and other spacefaring nations to develop advanced systems for tracking, avoiding, and potentially removing orbital debris.—
Micah McCartney,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
My son removes his shoes and socks and joins me.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
5 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The hobby didn’t grow into an official business until the early 2000s, but in the more than 20 years since, Caroline's Cake, packaged in their signature red tins from their new home base in Spartanburg, South Carolina, have become something of a legend.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
-
Round out your gift by pairing the tins with a cute ceramic holder.—
Alaina Chou,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
6 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Anyone who violated the law could have been charged with a misdemeanor for disorderly conduct, which is punishable by up to six months in county jail and a $1,000 fine.—
Alex Brizee,
Idaho Statesman,
10 Nov. 2025
-
He is scheduled to appear in court on November 26, according to jail records.—
Jenna Sundel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
10 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
Outfitted with restrooms, showers, and picnic areas, the full-facility Weeping Ridge family campground has 30 campsites equipped with electricity and water.—
Carrie Honaker,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Men's restrooms do not have these signs.—
Brendan Morrow,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
Noun
-
The margin will narrow by one seat once the government reopens and the winner of a special election, Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva of Arizona, is sworn in.—
Mandy Taheri,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
Democrats also performed well in one red state election, flipping two seats on the Georgia Public Service Commission.—
Julia Manchester,
The Hill,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
From December through February, shuttle service largely ceases (outside of select days and weekends; check shuttle schedules for up-to-date details).—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Nov. 2025
-
Meanwhile, over in Britain, a vibrant antiwar movement brought on motion after motion in Parliament to cease fire and end all offensive operations against the rebels.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
On Wednesday, in documents obtained by Rolling Stone, a California superior court judge overseeing the lawsuit ruled in favor of Kardashian and the anti-SLAPP motion, effectively dismissing the other Cantu’s lawsuit, though the judge left open the possibility of an appeal.—
Daniel Kreps,
Rolling Stone,
6 Nov. 2025
-
This company’s approach to pest control begins with a philosophy that dismisses the business-as-usual assumptions.—
Malana VanTyler,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Can.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/can. Accessed 15 Nov. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share