1
as in to hold
to have within the top drawer of the cabinet contains my stamp collection

Synonyms & Similar Words

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4
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 The products, sold online and at convenience stores and smoke shops in the form of tablets, gummies and drink mixes, contain the compound kratom, which medical experts say can be addictive and often carries toxic consequences. Natalie Neysa Alund, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2025 The 63-page report contains many interesting nuggets, but two points are particularly surprising. Senior Reporter, PC Magazine, 15 Sep. 2025 Fairlead Strategies undertakes no obligation to maintain or update this material based on subsequent information and events or to provide you with any additional or supplemental information or any update to or correction of the information contained herein. Katie Stockton, CNBC, 15 Sep. 2025 Strategic firing operations are underway and planned to contain, strengthen control, and limit spread. Ca Wildfire Bot, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contain
Verb
  • Republicans hold a strong majority in both chambers of the General Assembly, holding 29 out of 35 seats in the Senate and 81 of 100 seats in the House.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Ellison held second place prior to earnings release Ellison’s rise comes a day after Forbes released its list of the world’s richest people.
    Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • An audio jack is also included.
    Jorge Jimenez, PC Magazine, 10 Sep. 2025
  • At its Awe-Dropping Event in Cupertino, Apple announced four new iPhones, including the iPhone 17, iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro series.
    Prakhar Khanna, Forbes.com, 10 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The collection comprises apparel and accessories.
    Martino Carrera, Footwear News, 12 Sep. 2025
  • Cast comprises Hanad Abdi (Little America), Elmi Rashid Elmi (The Swimmers), Saman Hasan (Ramadan America) and Muna Abdulahi (The Mole).
    Andreas Wiseman, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • While the designer version was composed entirely of cotton, these are 70 percent cotton and 30 percent polyester.
    Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 9 Sep. 2025
  • Displayed in the same first-floor gallery, Because (2018) comprises artworks composed of photographs in wooden frames under a curtain embroidered with a phrase explaining what triggered her photographic act.
    Natasha Gural, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Your liver also plays the very sweet role of regulating your blood sugar levels by releasing glucose and storing glycogen when appropriate.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Among its 14 plant oils are argan kernel and rice bran, which regulate sebum production and loosen dead skin cells, respectively—and, together, leave your pores looking significantly smaller and your skin significantly smoother.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The three new watch models boast upgraded health features, fast charging, longer battery lives and a variety of finishes, styles and price points.
    Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 10 Sep. 2025
  • The layout, designed by architect Lek Bunnag, boasts groupings of villas and semi-private pools with a main central Moon Pool and bar located on the cliffside.
    Alissa Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Kirk had been asked a question about transgender individuals involved in mass shootings, a single shot was heard, striking him in the neck.
    Ted Johnson, Deadline, 12 Sep. 2025
  • While these hoaxes mostly ended up being false alarms, experts note that these types of hoaxes are not only a serious crime with substantial penalties for those involved but can also put first responders and bystanders at risk.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • They’re placed on or next to the body and struck with a mallet to release a calming vibration and mellifluous tone that eases muscles, sparking an immediately soothing effect on the nervous system and improving synaptic responses in the brain.
    Terry Elward, Forbes.com, 11 Sep. 2025
  • Rusty wanted to do something stupid, but the calming presence of Billy negated all of Rusty’s throbbing impulses.
    Manuel Muñoz, Literary Hub, 11 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contain. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.

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