INCLUDE Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'include' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of include are comprehend , embrace , and involve . While all these words mean "to contain within as part of the whole," include suggests the containment of something as a constituent, component, or subordinate part of a larger whole. // the price of dinner includes dessert

Q: When could 'comprehend' be used to replace 'include'?

The words comprehend and include can be used in similar contexts, but comprehend implies that something comes within the scope of a statement or definition. // his system comprehends all history

Q: In what contexts can 'embrace' take the place of 'include'?

The meanings of embrace and include largely overlap; however, embrace implies a gathering of separate items within a whole. // her faith embraces both Christian and non-Christian beliefs

Q: When is it sensible to use 'involve' instead of 'include'?

The words involve and include are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, involve suggests inclusion by virtue of the nature of the whole, whether by being its natural or inevitable consequence. // the new job involves a lot of detail

include

verb

in-ˈklüd

Definition of include

as in to involve

to have as part of a whole the college application included some thought-provoking essay questions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to house

to close or shut in by or as if by barriers that inextinguishable spark of liberty that is included within every human being

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb include contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of include are comprehend, embrace, and involve. While all these words mean "to contain within as part of the whole," include suggests the containment of something as a constituent, component, or subordinate part of a larger whole.

the price of dinner includes dessert

When could comprehend be used to replace include?

The words comprehend and include can be used in similar contexts, but comprehend implies that something comes within the scope of a statement or definition.

his system comprehends all history

In what contexts can embrace take the place of include?

The meanings of embrace and include largely overlap; however, embrace implies a gathering of separate items within a whole.

her faith embraces both Christian and non-Christian beliefs

When is it sensible to use involve instead of include?

The words involve and include are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, involve suggests inclusion by virtue of the nature of the whole, whether by being its natural or inevitable consequence.

the new job involves a lot of detail

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 include This story has been updated to include Jacqui Heinrich’s post. — Alex Weprin, HollywoodReporter, 19 Sep. 2026 Sheeran and his team were also allegedly pressured by some stadium owners on the tour, including Gillette Stadium owner Robert Kraft. — Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 19 Sep. 2026 The Heat currently are projected with about a $200 million payroll for 2027-28, a figure that does not include a salary for Davion Mitchell, who is scheduled to become a free agent next summer. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026 The collection includes the Lincoln Tall Boot and the Lincoln Leather Ankle Boot, in mesh, suede and leather. — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for include

Recent Examples of Synonyms for include

Verb

Of course, one of the best parts of writing a road trip novel is the field research—which for me, involved driving Route 66 over three weeks in October 2021 with my British partner and 1-year-old in tow.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
It was meant to be a moving, cathartic experience for all involved.

— Victor Garber, Vulture, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of involve

Verb

Fort Taylor is a national historic monument and state park that houses the largest collection of Civil War armament in the world.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
The classroom houses Watson's dual language immersion program, one of two in the Little Rock School District, where students receive much of their instruction in Spanish and learn to speak, read and write in both Spanish and English.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of house

Verb

Another endearing dining feature at the property is its honesty pantry containing drinks and snacks to go and a coffee station for early risers—guests can feel free to pad about any time of day or night.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
As promulgated last month, ballots must use envelopes with an election-mail logo that can to be scanned using high-speed processing equipment and contain a barcode unique to each voter.

— New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 16 Sep. 2026

Definition of contain

Verb

For multi-generation families that want to stay together, Benton Cottage offers the perfect base, containing four bedrooms and bathrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen, and enclosed back yard.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026
Racing Bull’s Arvid Lindblad did point out that there’s flexibility to make changes at Madring compared to the likes of Baku or Monaco, street circuits enclosed by buildings.

— Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 13 Sep. 2026

Definition of enclose

Verb

Duarte’s writing features detailed prose and a moving storyline, encompassing grief, healing, and the losses borne by a Latinx family in the name of American patriotism.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 17 Sep. 2026
Two seats are up for election this cycle; District 3, which stretches along northern Ada County from downtown Boise to Star, and District 4, which encompasses Kuna and southern Ada County.

— Idaho Statesman, Idaho Statesman, 17 Sep. 2026

Definition of encompass

Verb

The federal watchdog found that detainees were sometimes confined in small metal cages and lacked adequate living space and access to water.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 20 Sep. 2026
Every year, live chickens are confined and slaughtered at makeshift sites on Brooklyn streets and sidewalks.

— Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 20 Sep. 2026

Definition of confine

Verb

For years, Anthony’s job entailed watching hours of news and entertainment broadcasts, then flagging moments that might be funny or interesting enough to highlight during monologues.

— Jesse McLaren, Vulture, 11 Sep. 2026
If that will entail another shot at getting a Wing Pass or just another deal has not been announced.

— Julia Gomez, USA Today, 11 Sep. 2026

Definition of entail

Verb

Monticello’s storage areas yielded several samples of Jefferson’s hair encased in gold lockets, glass ampules, and the packet assembled by Nicholas Trist.

— Andrew Lawler, The Atlantic, 18 Sep. 2026
The shoes are known for their satin almond toe design, which features a square crystal buckle encased in a gunmetal frame.

— Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 15 Sep. 2026

Definition of encase

Browse Nearby Words

in clover

include

included

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Include.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/include. Accessed 22 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of include

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

nemesis

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

More Commonly Mispronounced Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Popular in Wordplay

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Why do we say 'fly off the handle'?

Popular

Do You Need a New Language Peeve?

The Longest Long Words List

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Games & Quizzes