Thesaurus

contain

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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of contain

1 to have within

the top drawer of the cabinet contains my stamp collection

Synonyms for contain

Words Related to contain

2 to have as part of a whole

the contract contains several new clauses

Synonyms for contain

Words Related to contain

bracket

admit,
receive

Near Antonyms for contain

Antonyms for contain

3 to be made up of

the recipe contains several parts

Synonyms for contain

Words Related to contain

4 to gain emotional or mental control of

could hardly contain herself when she heard that she had won the scholarship

Synonyms for contain

Words Related to contain

hold back,
restrain

rally,
recover

5 to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)

frantic efforts to contain the spread of the disease

Synonyms for contain

Words Related to contain

Near Antonyms for contain

Antonyms for contain

lose

Frequently Asked Questions About contain

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

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