1
2
as in to include
to have as part of a whole
the contract contains several new clauses
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to comprise
to be made up of
the recipe contains several parts
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
5
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
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
Veteran fairgoers know to bring ziplock bags to contain the excess, but cookie collateral is inevitable.
—
Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Most microorganisms, like bacteria and yeast, are harmful, but probiotics are beneficial exceptions that contain helpful bacteria or yeast similar to those in the gut.
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025
What the foreign minister’s role in the process would be was unclear, but the government of President Lee Jae Myung was trying to quickly contain simmering discontent in the country about how its nationals were being treated by US law enforcement.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
Each can contains a few large pieces of Atlantic salmon, brined in garlic salt and brown sugar, and swimming in Fly By Jing’s signature Sichuan chili crisp.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contain
Hannah Goldfield, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025
Most microorganisms, like bacteria and yeast, are harmful, but probiotics are beneficial exceptions that contain helpful bacteria or yeast similar to those in the gut.
—Ayesha Gulzar, Verywell Health, 8 Sep. 2025
What the foreign minister’s role in the process would be was unclear, but the government of President Lee Jae Myung was trying to quickly contain simmering discontent in the country about how its nationals were being treated by US law enforcement.
—Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 8 Sep. 2025
Each can contains a few large pieces of Atlantic salmon, brined in garlic salt and brown sugar, and swimming in Fly By Jing’s signature Sichuan chili crisp.
—Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 8 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for contain
Recent Examples of Synonyms for contain
Verb
-
Republicans hold a strong majority in both chambers of the General Assembly, holding 29 out of 35 seats in the Senate and 81 of 100 seats in the House.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Ellison held second place prior to earnings release Ellison’s rise comes a day after Forbes released its list of the world’s richest people.—
Michelle Del Rey,
USA Today,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
An audio jack is also included.—
Jorge Jimenez,
PC Magazine,
10 Sep. 2025
-
At its Awe-Dropping Event in Cupertino, Apple announced four new iPhones, including the iPhone 17, iPhone Air and iPhone 17 Pro series.—
Prakhar Khanna,
Forbes.com,
10 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The collection comprises apparel and accessories.—
Martino Carrera,
Footwear News,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Cast comprises Hanad Abdi (Little America), Elmi Rashid Elmi (The Swimmers), Saman Hasan (Ramadan America) and Muna Abdulahi (The Mole).—
Andreas Wiseman,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
While the designer version was composed entirely of cotton, these are 70 percent cotton and 30 percent polyester.—
Olivia Young,
Travel + Leisure,
9 Sep. 2025
-
Displayed in the same first-floor gallery, Because (2018) comprises artworks composed of photographs in wooden frames under a curtain embroidered with a phrase explaining what triggered her photographic act.—
Natasha Gural,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Researchers have found that curcumin—the primary compound found in turmeric—has potent anti-inflammatory properties that can help regulate blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels.—
Sherri Gordon,
Health,
8 Sep. 2025
-
The Northern Sea Route is generally viewed as more developed and regulated, with Moscow investing heavily in infrastructure as part of a broader campaign to gain an upper hand in the Arctic.—
Tom O'Connor,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
The three new watch models boast upgraded health features, fast charging, longer battery lives and a variety of finishes, styles and price points.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
-
The layout, designed by architect Lek Bunnag, boasts groupings of villas and semi-private pools with a main central Moon Pool and bar located on the cliffside.—
Alissa Fitzgerald,
Forbes.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Kirk had been asked a question about transgender individuals involved in mass shootings, a single shot was heard, striking him in the neck.—
Ted Johnson,
Deadline,
12 Sep. 2025
-
While these hoaxes mostly ended up being false alarms, experts note that these types of hoaxes are not only a serious crime with substantial penalties for those involved but can also put first responders and bystanders at risk.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
They’re placed on or next to the body and struck with a mallet to release a calming vibration and mellifluous tone that eases muscles, sparking an immediately soothing effect on the nervous system and improving synaptic responses in the brain.—
Terry Elward,
Forbes.com,
11 Sep. 2025
-
Rusty wanted to do something stupid, but the calming presence of Billy negated all of Rusty’s throbbing impulses.—
Manuel Muñoz,
Literary Hub,
11 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Contain.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/contain. Accessed 14 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share