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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 Which team’s pass rush bothers or contains the other QB more effectively might tip this result. Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 26 Jan. 2025 History contains many examples of great powers that could have said yes to such questions — for a time. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 25 Jan. 2025 Thousands of hills and mounds on Mars have been found to contain layers of clay minerals, which formed when running water interacted with the rocks during a period when Mars' northern reaches were flooded. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 25 Jan. 2025 Further north, the Lidia Fire was first reported Wednesday, burned 395 acres and was 75% contained as of Friday, according to Cal Fire. Antonio Pequeño Iv, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for contain 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contain
Verb
  • She’s currently being held without bail at the Lawrence County Jail.
    Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 29 Jan. 2025
  • While there are no ongoing talks, Maharlika would be interested to acquire shares held by China’s State Grid in the Philippine grid operator should the mainland company decide to sell, Consing said.
    Ian Sayson, Forbes, 28 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • His other credits include Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, Ford v Ferrari, Logan, The Wolverine, 3:10 to Yuma, Walk the Line, Girl, Interrupted and Identity, among others.
    Chris Gardner, The Hollywood Reporter, 25 Jan. 2025
  • The planned flood watch did not include the Mountain fire burned scar in Ventura County.
    Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 25 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • The exhibition on display at BASE features work by 45 artists and 5 video makers selected by a jury comprising Condé Nast staff from across the globe and experts from the international visual community.
    PhotoVogue, Vogue, 29 Jan. 2025
  • This show highlights the Paris Opera’s fabulous collection, from the Second Empire on, comprising some 4,000 pieces.
    Lily Templeton, WWD, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Addison, the church’s director of music and liturgy, composed the roughly 40-minute piece.
    Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 21 Jan. 2025
  • Freeman was among international talents celebrated with lifetime achievement prizes during the Joy Awards on Saturday along with composing legend Hans Zimmer, and Andrea Bocelli.
    Nick Vivarelli, Variety, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Under the Constitution’s Elections Clause, judges cannot intrude on state lawmakers’ authority to regulate federal elections, but the high court’s decision did not set a specific test for determining when that boundary is crossed.
    Zach Schonfeld, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025
  • The commerce clause is the provision in the constitution that gives Congress the authority to regulate interstate economic activity and commerce with foreign nations.
    Tax Notes Staff, Forbes, 21 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • His Facebook page, which boasts 27 friends, is mostly related to his time in the Army, with photos and videos of guns and what appears to be him in training.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 18 Jan. 2025
  • Resume: The Broncos recorded an NFL-best 63 sacks this season while boasting a top-three run defense and a top-three red-zone defense.
    Dan Wiederer, Chicago Tribune, 18 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • According to the Tacoma News Tribune, the settlement was announced in March 2024 and involved payouts to nearly 200 current and former residents who were eligible to file paperwork to get their share of the settlement over dirty water.
    Carleen Johnson | The Center Square, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 19 Jan. 2025
  • The Dodgers were involved in the trade market for Devin Williams before the right-handed closer was traded by the Milwaukee Brewers to the New York Yankees in December.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 19 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • It is known for its benefits, including improving physical health, calming the mind, reducing stress, and increasing joint flexibility and range of motion.
    Cory Martin, Verywell Health, 23 Jan. 2025
  • Imagine an organization that offers calming yoga classes but tolerates a toxic manager who creates a hostile environment.
    Dr. Marita Kinney, BCC, Msc.D, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Contain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contain. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.

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