INCLUDE Synonyms: 84 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'include' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of include are comprehend , embrace , and involve . While all these words mean "to contain within as part of the whole," include suggests the containment of something as a constituent, component, or subordinate part of a larger whole. // the price of dinner includes dessert

Q: When could 'comprehend' be used to replace 'include'?

The words comprehend and include can be used in similar contexts, but comprehend implies that something comes within the scope of a statement or definition. // his system comprehends all history

Q: In what contexts can 'embrace' take the place of 'include'?

The meanings of embrace and include largely overlap; however, embrace implies a gathering of separate items within a whole. // her faith embraces both Christian and non-Christian beliefs

Q: When is it sensible to use 'involve' instead of 'include'?

The words involve and include are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, involve suggests inclusion by virtue of the nature of the whole, whether by being its natural or inevitable consequence. // the new job involves a lot of detail

include

verb

in-ˈklüd

Definition of include

as in to involve

to have as part of a whole the college application included some thought-provoking essay questions

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to house

to close or shut in by or as if by barriers that inextinguishable spark of liberty that is included within every human being

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb include contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of include are comprehend, embrace, and involve. While all these words mean "to contain within as part of the whole," include suggests the containment of something as a constituent, component, or subordinate part of a larger whole.

the price of dinner includes dessert

When could comprehend be used to replace include?

The words comprehend and include can be used in similar contexts, but comprehend implies that something comes within the scope of a statement or definition.

his system comprehends all history

In what contexts can embrace take the place of include?

The meanings of embrace and include largely overlap; however, embrace implies a gathering of separate items within a whole.

her faith embraces both Christian and non-Christian beliefs

When is it sensible to use involve instead of include?

The words involve and include are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, involve suggests inclusion by virtue of the nature of the whole, whether by being its natural or inevitable consequence.

the new job involves a lot of detail

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 include But Netanyahu’s government wanted the existing framework kept intact, according to multiple sources who spoke to TIME, including an Israeli official and an international diplomat. — Eric Cortellessa, Time, 18 Oct. 2026 The Silver Rail Elementary tragedy is the 36th shooting in the United States this year on K-12 school grounds, according to CNN’s analysis of multiple databases, including the Gun Violence Archive. — Alaa Elassar, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 The mail stolen from the vehicle may have included election ballots, which were processed for delivery on that day, Lanning said. — Haley Parsley, Sacbee.com, 11 Oct. 2026 The Coens join a roll call of previous recipients including Clint Eastwood, Quentin Tarantino, Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, Wong Kar-wai, Jane Fonda, Tim Burton, Jane Campion and Michael Mann. — Lise Pedersen, Variety, 11 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for include

Recent Examples of Synonyms for include

Verb

Federal law enforcement had launched more than 100 investigations into crimes in which Tren de Aragua members are involved, as of late 2024, according to an NBC report.

— Anna Giaritelli, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
The character was killed in a helicopter crash in Amritsar, Indian that also involved the Indian Prime Minister.

— Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of involve

Verb

The store houses Smythson’s full selection, and also features a dedicated bespoke stationery salon, the only one outside of London, where customers can book a one-on-one appointment with a stationery specialist.

— Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
The gallery’s New York flagship has been located on the Upper East Side since 2014, in a set of historic buildings comprising some 17,500 square feet that formerly housed the National Academy Museum.

— News Desk, Artforum, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of house

Verb

This post contains spoilers for The Diplomat Season 4, now streaming on Netflix.

— Peter White, Deadline, 15 Oct. 2026
The researchers started by making a single, long protein that contained the protease, the sequence it was designed to target, and a fluorescent protein.

— ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of contain

Verb

As more formulations enter the category, the broad GLP-1 label can encompass medications with different designs and delivery methods.

— Emma Clapp, Sacbee.com, 15 Oct. 2026
The Wondaween name comes from Monáe’s creative collective, the Wondaland Arts Society, which encompasses Wondaland Pictures, Records, Games and more.

— Marah Eakin, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of encompass

Verb

No longer confined to gambling dens and brothel districts, yakuza muscled their way into other businesses, some legal, some not.

— Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Stepping onto the train felt surreal, an experience previously confined to my trips aboard.

— Sophia Dyer, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of confine

Verb

Ipsy also offers an Extra plan, which entails five full-size products for $32 monthly, and a quarterly Ultimate plan consisting of eight full-size products.

— Noor Lobad, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
In a bit of crowd work, Von quizzes an audience member about how many hamsters that entails.

— Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of entail

Browse Nearby Words

in clover

include

included

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Include.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/include. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of include

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes