CAN Synonyms: 237 Similar and Opposite Words

can 1 of 2

verb

ˈkan

Definition of can

as in to stop

slang to bring (as an action or operation) to an immediate end can the chatter, or I'm kicking you out of this library

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to remove

to let go from office, service, or employment the cashier was summarily canned for stealing from the registers

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

can

2 of 2

noun

ˈkan

as in tin

a metal container in the shape of a cylinder the shelter stores huge cans of water for an emergency

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in jail

a place of confinement for persons held in lawful custody the racketeers were rounded up and thrown in the can

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

outside

as in restroom

a room furnished with a fixture for flushing body waste I excused myself and asked if I could use the can

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in seat

the part of the body upon which someone sits he fell on the ice and landed on his can

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 can

Noun

The facility had dented cans of olives, tomato sauce and artichokes. — Sacbee.com, 28 Aug. 2026 Pysher says his son was drunk but unarmed, carrying only his cellphone and a backpack containing overnight clothes and a few warm cans of beer. — Janelle Griffith, PEOPLE, 26 Aug. 2026 Bottle caps took the third spot on the list, followed by just over 840,000 beverage cans collected and over 809,000 food wrappers (including things like chip bags and candy wrappers). — Alison Fox, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026 That reduction in purchases is equivalent to a person buying 34 fewer 12-ounce cans a year, the study notes. — Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for can

Recent Examples of Synonyms for can

Verb

The new rules mandated that referees stop play for a ten-minute hydration break that allows players to drink fluids, change clothes, or shower in their locker room.

— Aaron Short, Curbed, 3 Sep. 2026
The team stopped at 800 N because increasing the load further would require additional protective equipment, with a separate destructive limit test planned.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Sep. 2026

Definition of stop

Verb

The cores or plugs removed from the lawn during aeration actually increase the success of overseeding by providing more direct contact between the seeds and the soil.

— Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 4 Sep. 2026
If coverings could not be removed, visitors would be charged for a day pass or a pass replacement.

— Angel Saunders, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026

Definition of remove

Noun

In stories centered on objects ranging from a button to a tin soldier, young authors recognize the it-narrative’s potential not only for amusement but for showcasing the power of the small and marginal.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 28 Aug. 2026
The morning following the storm, co-owner James Durawa told WISN 12 News that a tree pierced part of the restaurant's tin roof and would cost about $18,000 to remove.

— Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of tin

Noun

There is seating in and around the splash pad, including picnic tables and pavilions, as well as restrooms and outdoor showers, according to the release.

— Christina Hall, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2026
This might sound like some kind of punishment or endurance challenge today, but in Ancient Rome this was just a standard public restroom.

— Andrew Coletti, Popular Science, 27 Aug. 2026

Definition of restroom

Verb

The turf needs this lead time to absorb the nutrients before growth ceases in winter.

— Megan Hughes, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 Sep. 2026
Ukraine is warning the world that airlines and other civilian aircraft must cease operations in Russian airspace or risk being caught in crossfire.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of cease

Verb

But Smith dismissed the idea that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney was trying to boost his chances in upcoming domestic elections.

— Samantha Subin,CJ Haddad,Kevin Breuninger, CNBC, 2 Sep. 2026
Also Tuesday, just after court was dismissed, Dawn Light, 56, of Sutton, Massachusetts, was arrested outside the courthouse in Plymouth, a spokesperson for the Massachusetts State Police confirmed.

— Blayne Alexander, NBC news, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of dismiss

Browse Nearby Words

campy

can

can't-miss

See all Nearby Words

Articles Related to can

Cite this Entry

Style

“Can.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/can. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of can

verb

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

‘Cannot’ vs. ‘Can Not’: Is...

Kicking It with 'Kick the Can Down the...

'Can' vs. 'May'

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