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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 Garland bristles at the idea the movie contains a message. Thomas Page, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025 This post contains spoilers for the 1923 series finale. 1923 was life-changing in more ways than one for Brandon Sklenar and Julia Schlaepfer. Julia Moore, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025 Greek Yogurt Greek yogurt contains 17 grams of protein in a three-quarter cup serving. Jillian Kubala, Health, 8 Apr. 2025 The guests-only 14th floor contains the outdoor pool—stretched along the building’s edge with bang-on skyline views—and the Living Room, a clubhouse where Capella hosts events like an Evening Ritual hour with complimentary cocktails and canapés. Travis Levius, Travel + Leisure, 8 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contain
Verb
  • The group allegedly operated within the Northeast, targeting luxury vehicles – specifically high-end SUVs – by holding victims at gunpoint or bumping the vehicles on a highway, forcing owners to exit their cars.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The judge’s opinion would identify the grounds for an acquittal or for holding the defendants’ liable.
    Andrea Tinianow, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The interior design, courtesy of Xenia, also includes top-notch wood and fabric finishes.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 8 Apr. 2025
  • The specialty treatments offered include a Cécred Scalp Revival, a gentle exfoliation that nourishes the scalp, removes flakes and buildup and helps keep hair hydrated.
    Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 8 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • In comparison, renewables comprise 22% of the electricity mix in the United States.
    Ken Silverstein, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Noncitizen immigrants comprised almost 13% of the health care workforce in New York, almost 10% in Florida and 9% in California, researchers estimated.
    Ronnie Cohen, NPR, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The presentation was brought to life at the start by a full orchestra performing a live rendition of the franchise’s familiar theme music, originally composed by John Williams.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 2 Apr. 2025
  • Retired educators: The Retired Educators of Osceola County is composed of people who are retired from the field of education from anywhere in the country.
    Joe Rassel, The Orlando Sentinel, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Aside from crime, the advisory spotlights the dangers around jet skiing and boating in the Bahamas, noting that the boating industry is not well regulated and some watercraft are not licensed, which has led to injury and death.
    Katie Nadworny, Travel + Leisure, 3 Apr. 2025
  • Public health groups had already sued the FDA for not moving fast enough to review the products after the agency, in 2016, finalized rules for regulating them under the 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act.
    Maureen Groppe, USA Today, 2 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Glossier’s Brow Flick boasts a semi-sheer pigment for a natural hair-like finish.
    Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 10 Apr. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Poland boasts talented players from their 2013 U-17 Euro-winning squad (Ewa Pajor, Paulina Dudek, Sylwia Matysik and Ewelina Kamczyk), but this is a huge step up.
    Julia Ranney, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • She was involved in multiple efforts to expand IVF access last Congress that were ultimately blocked by Republicans.
    Allison Pecorin, ABC News, 1 Apr. 2025
  • Exchange insurance information with any other parties involved, take pictures of the accident and extensively document the state of your vehicle.
    Chris Gallagher, USA Today, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Inside, retreat from the sun to rooms lined with stone floors and bathed in calming neutrals.
    Erika Owen, Architectural Digest, 5 Apr. 2025
  • Choose from a calming yellow, a light tie-dye or a blue paisley design.
    Christopher Murray, FOXNews.com, 4 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contain. Accessed 16 Apr. 2025.

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