CONTAIN Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

contain

verb

kən-ˈtān

Definition of contain next

as in to hold

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in to include

to have as part of a whole the contract contains several new clauses

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to comprise

to be made up of the recipe contains several parts

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

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

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

Examples 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 Of course, not every aircraft is going to show up on those platforms — some small hobby drones, for example, don’t contain the kind of technology to broadcast their locations the way commercial aircraft do. —

Clare Duffy, CNN, 14 Dec. 2024 Curcumin supplements contain the active ingredient in curcumin. —

Amber J. Tresca, Verywell Health, 14 Dec. 2024 Be sure to use straw and not hay, which contains many weed seeds. —

Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 13 Dec. 2024 Veggies not only contain vitamins and minerals—green beans in particular are an especially strong source of vitamin K, vitamin C, folate, iron, and potassium—but also fiber, a type of carb necessary to streamline digestion and prevent constipation. —

Caroline Tien, SELF, 13 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for contain

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contain

Verb

The majority of the film is set within the confines of an asylum and a courtroom, with Fleck being held accountable for the handful of murders committed from the last film.

Nicholas Bell, SPIN, 17 Dec. 2024
Newsweek has contacted Schumer's office via email for clarification on when the vote will be held.

Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 17 Dec. 2024