1
2
as in to include
to have as part of a whole
the contract contains several new clauses
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to comprise
to be made up of
the recipe contains several parts
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
5
as in to regulate
to keep from exceeding a desirable degree or level (as of expression)
frantic efforts to contain the spread of the disease
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of contain
Upstairs at Sperm Racing HQ is a lab stocked with racks of test tubes, centrifuges for separating out the most motile sperm from a sample, and little plastic slides containing new microscopic racecourses for frat-boy cum.
—
Sam Kriss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
That’s why our love for them stretches so wide and deep that no single list, whether made by an individual or a group of experts, can contain it.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
If fires start, the winds and low humidity will help sparks spread more easily, making fires more difficult to contain.
—Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 2026
Everton appeared set up to contain United and absorb long spells of pressure.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contain
Sam Kriss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026
That’s why our love for them stretches so wide and deep that no single list, whether made by an individual or a group of experts, can contain it.
—Stephanie Zacharek, Time, 24 Feb. 2026
If fires start, the winds and low humidity will help sparks spread more easily, making fires more difficult to contain.
—Julia James, Dallas Morning News, 24 Feb. 2026
Everton appeared set up to contain United and absorb long spells of pressure.
—Patrick Boyland, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2026
See All Example Sentences for contain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contain
Verb
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According to the firm, the effort reflects sustained demand from naval and air warfighters for aircraft capable of holding targets at risk from extended distances, particularly across the vast air and maritime spaces of the Western Pacific.—
Jijo Malayil,
Interesting Engineering,
25 Feb. 2026
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The measure holds employers accountable for policies that discourage the reporting of theft and that might result in retaliation against an employee who does report a crime.—
John Aguilar,
Denver Post,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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House members attending the People’s State of the Union include progressive caucus members such as Casar, Jayapal, Ansari, Balint, Ramirez, and Watson Coleman.—
Rachel Schilke,
The Washington Examiner,
23 Feb. 2026
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The contract includes significant participation from domestic industry, with Slovak companies accounting for more than 40% of the contract’s total value.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
23 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Back in Manchester, Best’s son Calum presented an exhibition called Twenty Years Of Immortal Legacy, comprising 40 artworks celebrating many of his father’s iconic moments.—
Andy Mitten,
New York Times,
20 Feb. 2026
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The thermal springs comprise multiple pools filled with mineral water to emulate the healing properties and overall experience of natural hot springs.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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In the adjacent vinyl listening room, a 1,500-pound wall composed of vintage Japanese speakers creates an unexpected backdrop.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
26 Feb. 2026
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The new school and mascot renaming policy San Diego Unified now follows requires a 10-person naming committee composed of school officials, educators, students and community members, along with at least two public input sessions.—
Jemma Stephenson,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
25 Feb. 2026
Verb
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The American Water Works Association, a utility industry association, had challenged the rule in court, arguing the EPA lacks authority to regulate the portion of the pipe that’s on private property and therefore cannot require water systems to replace them.—
Michael Phillis,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Feb. 2026
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Meanwhile, eating fiber helps regulate blood sugar, cholesterol, and digestion, and supports feelings of fullness.—
Merve Ceylan,
Health,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Trump once again boasted foreign investments of $18 trillion — a figure that has been disputed by many economists, and the White House’s own data.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
25 Feb. 2026
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Many experts internationally feared Ukraine would fall within days to the Kremlin, which boasts one of the largest armies on the globe.—
Angie Leventis Lourgos,
Chicago Tribune,
24 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Jennifer Penton — who investigated the crash in Woburn involving Quigley — is the supervisor of the Defense Tactic Unit that’s supposed to oversee the boxing training.—
Aaron Curtis,
Boston Herald,
26 Feb. 2026
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She was not involved in the Pew report.—
Sandee LaMotte,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
Verb
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It's even found in the quiet, calming oases that is this city's epic hotel scene, a wonderful contrast to the heaving and exhilarating urban energy beyond its grand doors.—
Chris Schalkx,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 Feb. 2026
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Try Mind-Body Practices Starting your morning with a calming mind-body practice may be a gentle way to support healthier blood pressure.—
Alexandria Nyembwe,
Health,
20 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Contain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contain. Accessed 26 Feb. 2026.
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