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 Veteran fairgoers know to bring ziplock bags to contain the excess, but cookie collateral is inevitable. Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025 Most microorganisms, like bacteria and yeast, are harmful, but probiotics are beneficial exceptions that contain helpful bacteria or yeast similar to those in the gut. Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025 What the foreign minister’s role in the process would be was unclear, but the government of President Lee Jae Myung was trying to quickly contain simmering discontent in the country about how its nationals were being treated by US law enforcement. Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025 Each can contains a few large pieces of Atlantic salmon, brined in garlic salt and brown sugar, and swimming in Fly By Jing’s signature Sichuan chili crisp. Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contain
Verb
  • Namajunas held onto the belt in the rematch in November 2021, defeating Zhang via split decision.
    Trent Reinsmith, Forbes.com, 4 Sep. 2025
  • For investment firms of the ultra wealthy, deal-making held steady in August.
    Hayley Cuccinello, CNBC, 4 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 next pronounced spike came in the mid-1960s — roughly around the time of England’s World Cup win on home soil, and comprises largely those who would play a major role in England’s Euro 96 campaign.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • This story was produced with financial support from Trish and Dan Bell and from donors comprising the South Florida Jewish and Muslim Communities, including Khalid and Diana Mirza, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.
    Lauren Costantino September 6, Miami Herald, 6 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
  • Researchers have found that curcumin—the primary compound found in turmeric—has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help regulate blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.
    Sherri Gordon, Health, 8 Sep. 2025
  • The Northern Sea Route is generally viewed as more developed and regulated, with Moscow investing heavily in infrastructure as part of a broader campaign to gain an upper hand in the Arctic.
    Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 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
  • Los Angeles Angels prospect Rio Foster is in critical condition after being involved in a single-car crash in Richland, Washington, early Friday morning.
    Sam Blum, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025
  • The YouTube cameras caught Kelce giving some tough love to Taylor, which involved a small head-butt and loud words.
    Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 6 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The low was expected to be 78, with winds expected to calm after midnight.
    Staff reports, AZCentral.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • His calming eye easily moves between fashion design and interior design, underscoring the close, sometimes intimate, relationship between the two disciplines.
    Joseph Giovannini, Architectural Digest, 4 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contain. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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