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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 Many other fruits and vegetables, like grapes, plums, and cabbage, also contain this pigment.3 Bacteria in the gut break down anthocyanins and other polyphenols, or plant compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 29 Aug. 2025 And one video appeared to contain a suicide note addressed to the family. Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 29 Aug. 2025 Launched in 2020 in Amsterdam, Denim Deal unites brands, manufacturers, recyclers and policymakers in its mission to catalyze the production of 1 billion pairs of jeans containing at least 20 percent post-consumer recycled (PCR) cotton by 2030. Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 29 Aug. 2025 According to the Florida Department of Health, raw milk can contain disease-causing bacteria, including Campylobacter, Escherichia coli (E. coli), Listeria, Salmonella, and others. Mark Harper, USA Today, 19 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for contain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contain
Verb
  • Tennessee's whiskey and automotive industries hold the biggest stake statewide in President Donald Trump's looming trade war.
    Hadley Hitson, The Tennessean, 21 Aug. 2025
  • The district will also hold a community listening session from 6 to 7 p.m. Aug. 20 at Wales Elementary School, 219 N. Oak Crest Drive, Wales. Video from an Aug. 14 community listening session can be found at rb.gy/m7iy3s. Contact Alec Johnson at (262) 875-9469 or alec.johnson@jrn.com.
    Alec Johnson, jsonline.com, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Kennedy contended that Newsom was expanding his program due to Trump's threats about sending the Guard to California cities, including Oakland and San Francisco.
    Terry Collins, USA Today, 30 Aug. 2025
  • The decision to skip a start came down to several factors, including the chance to present a different look to the Tigers.
    Jaylon Thompson, Kansas City Star, 30 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Nonetheless, the company boasts a robust balance sheet, with $924 million in cash and cash equivalents, a debt-to-equity ratio of just 4.3%, and cash comprising nearly half of its total assets.
    Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2025
  • The past 18 months in particular — comprising Copa America, Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup failures — have driven patience and tempers to the edge.
    Phil Hay, New York Times, 21 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • What was more worrying for the weeks and months to come, though, was the ease with which Fulham repeatedly overran United’s midfield: a midfield composed of Fernandes and Casemiro, then Fernandes and Mason Mount, and later Fernandes and Manuel Ugarte.
    Mark Critchley, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
  • And while some sections of the barrier are made of tall steel bollards — measuring up to 30 feet high — others are composed of mesh or chain-link fencing, according to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
    Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Arizona cities regulate leash laws in various ways.
    Rey Covarrubias Jr, AZCentral.com, 25 Aug. 2025
  • Previous legislative attempts to regulate cannabis products, such as the Cannabis Candy Child Safety Act in 2023, aimed to prevent cannabis products from being sold to children.
    Amelia Wu, Sacbee.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Last year’s show boasted 1000 boats on display and 600 exhibitors viewed by 55,000 guests, contributing a $1.05 billion economic impact to the area.
    Kathleen Turner, Forbes.com, 23 Aug. 2025
  • Speaking at the White House on Aug. 22, the president boasted about the appearance of his lower legs.
    Zachary Schermele, USA Today, 23 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Reports surfaced that Johnson's father, Mark Johnson, was involved in a physical altercation with Avery's older brother following the Wildcats' 24–21 loss to Iowa State in Dublin, Ireland.
    Cecil Merkerson, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Aug. 2025
  • For example, investing always involves some degree of uncertainty.
    True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Bruno Salter, West Ham’s assistant coach, also attempted to calm the forward down.
    Roshane Thomas, New York Times, 27 Aug. 2025
  • The report indicates Martin was just doing her job that day, trying to calm an emotional student.
    Kelly Meyerhofer, jsonline.com, 27 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contain. Accessed 3 Sep. 2025.

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