Synonyms of can

can 1 of 2

verb

ˈkan 

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

• stop
• cease
• halt
• end
• quit
• conclude
• discontinue
• delay
• suspend
• drop
• cut off
• break
• lay off
• desist (from)
• finish
• cut out
• shut off
• check
• leave off
• have done with
• break off
• complete
• give over
• break up
• pack (up or in)
• knock off
• hold
• close (down)
• hinder
• impede
• put the kibosh on
• stay
• block
• ruin
• suppress
• pause
• call
• obstruct
• detain
• destroy
• deactivate
• kill
• stem
• hold back
• abort
• scuttle
• turn back
• dissolve
• dam
• abolish
• squelch
• demolish
• brake
• stamp
• stunt
• clamp down
• arrest
• squash
• blockade
• annul
• rein (in)
• snuff
• kibosh
• stanch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• continue
• proceed
• carry on
• keep up
• run on
• advance
• progress
• drive
• follow through (with)
• stir
• propel
• actuate
• impel

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

• remove
• dismiss
• sack
• retire
• fire
• release
• terminate
• muster out
• bounce
• ax
• discharge
• turn off
• pink-slip
• lay off
• excess
• send packing
• downsize
• show (someone) the door
• unseat
• cashier
• trim
• kick out
• separate
• chuck (out)
• throw out
• drum (out)
• boot (out)
• furlough

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• employ
• retain
• engage
• keep
• hire
• take on
• sign (up or on)
• contract
• recruit
• rehire
• reemploy
• subcontract

can

2 of 2

noun

ˈkan 

1

as in tin

a metal container in the shape of a cylinder

the shelter stores huge cans of water for an emergency

Synonyms & Similar Words

• tin
• barrel
• drum
• bucket
• canister
• tin can
• pail
• cannikin

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

• jail
• penitentiary
• prison
• brig
• cooler
• pen
• hold
• hock
• big house
• stir
• coop
• lockup
• bastille
• slam
• calaboose
• jug
• clink
• nick
• stockade
• guardroom
• jailhouse
• pokey
• slammer
• cage
• bridewell
• tank
• hoosegow
• joint
• tolbooth
• quod
• bull pen
• keep
• cell
• dungeon
• ward
• block
• concentration camp
• work camp
• labor camp
• hole
• prison camp
• guardhouse
• reform school
• glasshouse
• hulk(s)
• training school
• stalag
• gulag
• reformatory
• oubliette

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• outside

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

• restroom
• bathroom
• toilet
• water closet
• convenience
• bath
• loo
• john
• washroom
• comfort station
• bog
• lavatory
• potty
• cloakroom
• latrine
• head
• privy
• pan
• pot
• commode
• powder room
• outhouse
• half bath
• ladies
• jakes
• ladies' room
• men's room
• garderobe

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

• seat
• cheeks
• bum
• tail
• behind
• rear end
• tail end
• bottom
• rump
• rear
• duff
• butt
• fanny
• beam
• backside
• buns
• hams
• nates
• fundament
• caboose
• buttocks
• posterior
• breech
• booty
• haunches
• keister
• tush
• stern
• derriere
• heinie
• hunkers
• moon

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of can

Noun

Through the wooden awning and on the other side of the door adorned with graffiti-esque splashy PBR cans, everything turns dark. —Amanda Hancock, Louisville Courier Journal, 20 Mar. 2026

People bought five-gallon jerry cans, filled them, and bought more. —Patt Morrison, Los Angeles Times, 18 Mar. 2026

The empty cans, made from recyclable plastic, can also be recycled after rinsing. —Pilar Melendez, NBC news, 18 Mar. 2026

The full-sugar version will be available in 20-ounce bottles or 12-pack, 12-ounce cans, while the Zero Sugar version will only be available in 12-pack, 12-ounce cans. —Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 18 Mar. 2026