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Synonyms

comprise

American  
[kuhm-prahyz] / kəmˈpraɪz /

verb (used with object)

comprised, comprising
  1. to include or contain.

    The Soviet Union comprised several socialist republics.

  2. to consist of; be composed of.

    The advisory board comprises six members.

  3. to form or constitute.

    Seminars and lectures comprised the day's activities.


idioms

  1. be comprised of, to consist of; be composed of.

    The sales network is comprised of independent outlets and chain stores.

comprise British  
/ kəmˈpraɪz /

verb

  1. to include; contain

  2. to constitute the whole of; consist of

    her singing comprised the entertainment

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Usage

The use of of after comprise should be avoided: the library comprises (not comprises of ) 500 000 books and manuscripts

Related Words

See include.

Other Word Forms

  • comprisable adjective
  • comprisal noun

Etymology

Origin of comprise

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English comprisen, from Middle French compris (past participle of comprendre ), from Latin comprehēnsus; comprehension

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

In Connecticut, which along with New York and New Jersey comprises the metropolitan Tri-state area, Governor Ned Lamont signed an emergency order halting all commercial vehicles from traveling on highways across the state.

From BBC

Fanatics has countered that its $8 billion in revenue in 2025 comprises only a small fraction of the global licensed sports merchandise market estimated to be around $37.5 billion, according to Straits Research.

From Los Angeles Times

This list is comprised of ones that have increased implied volatility.

From MarketWatch

Miran is one of seven governors on the board of the Fed, who along with five regional Fed presidents comprise the committee that votes on interest rates.

From Barron's

Total orders for durable goods—which comprise goods meant to last three years or more—fell 1.4% in the month, compared with a 5.4% rise in November.

From The Wall Street Journal