CONTAINS Synonyms: 121 Similar and Opposite Words

contains

verb

present tense third-person singular of contain

as in holds

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in includes

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in comprises

to be made up of the recipe contains several parts

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in composes

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 regulates

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 contains Advertisement Their collection contains nearly a hundred pieces by around 40 artists from the Black diaspora, including fellow honoree Sherald. — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 6 Oct. 2026 In addition to that central pool, the spa complex contains a tepidarium (warm relaxation room), Byzantine hammam (steam room), salt cave, Watsu pool, yoga and fitness rooms, and an area for massages and other treatments. — Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 Even Meta’s settlement with the attorneys general, which requires changes to features aimed at teens, contains plenty of unknowns and ties some of its actionability to competitors doing the same. — Steven Zeitchik, HollywoodReporter, 5 Oct. 2026 While natural kratom contains only trace amounts of 7-OH, some companies sell concentrated or synthetic forms of the compound under brand names such as Magic 7OH and 7 O’Heaven for as little as $4 a pop. — The Week Us, TheWeek, 5 Oct. 2026 Optical switches work differently depending on the manufacturer, but generally, each switch contains a light beam that is redirected when the switch is depressed. — ArsTechnica, 5 Oct. 2026 Persimmon contains tannins thought to help neutralize odor-causing compounds on the skin, and the ingredient story (natural, plant-derived, targeted at a specific compound) fits what midlife shoppers are already buying. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2026 Naturally With Persimmon Soap Persimmon soap has emerged as a popular natural option because the fruit contains tannins that may help neutralize odor-causing compounds on the skin. — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 5 Oct. 2026 And yet, this year Nvidia is the seventh-worst performer in the iShares Semiconductor ETF , which contains 30 stocks. — Alexa Lomonaco, CNBC, 28 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for contains

Verb

The bar makes a perfectly balanced drink, and brunch holds its own with plenty of light and rib-sticking options alike (the steak and eggs were my favorite) and strong locally roasted coffee (both pour-over and espresso options).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Brazil’s attorney general last week accused the US of undermining Brazilian democracy — a central theme for incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who holds a razor-thin polling lead over Flávio Bolsonaro.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of holds

Verb

The drama slate comprises co-productions developed directly with partners.

— Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 6 Oct. 2026
The firm comprises a powerhouse sports representation unit, a music agency group, as well as production-management firm Brillstein, a marketing services unit and more assets.

— Erik Hayden, HollywoodReporter, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of comprises

Verb

The man composes his responses with the help of a manual that instructs him on which incoming string of Chinese characters should be answered with which other string of Chinese characters.

— Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs, 10 Aug. 2026
Agent authority composes dynamically.

— Harsh Singhal, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026

Definition of composes

Verb

The legislation requires the California Public Utility Commission, which regulates PG&E, to provide by January 2028 a report with recommendations for how utility companies can put aside enough funding to make up the 30% shortfall.

— Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
The commission also regulates lobbying and can issue penalties for fundraising and other infractions.

— Jon Regardie, Los Angeles Times, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of regulates

Verb

As mentioned, this tiny house boasts a downstairs bedroom, which is unusual for such a small tiny house of this style.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 4 Oct. 2026
In East of Eden‘s stellar reviews (the limited series boasts an 85 percent freshness rating on Rotten Tomatoes), Pugh in particular is praised for her performance.

— Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2026