include
Americanverb (used with object)
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to contain, as a whole does parts or any part or element.
The so-called “complete breakfast” in this ad included juice, milk, cereal, toast, eggs, and bacon.
The anniversary edition of the game will include the expansion packs and DLC.
- Synonyms:
- embody
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to place in an aggregate, class, category, or the like: Hawks and eagles are included in the family “Accipitridae.”
Please include me in any future discussions.
Hawks and eagles are included in the family “Accipitridae.”
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to contain as a subordinate element; involve as a factor: Schooling should include friendship, fun, and laughter, in addition to rigorous study.
Our comprehensive approach to health includes such aspects as resilience, resources, and quality of life.
Schooling should include friendship, fun, and laughter, in addition to rigorous study.
verb
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to have as contents or part of the contents; be made up of or contain
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to add as part of something else; put in as part of a set, group, or category
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to contain as a secondary or minor ingredient or element
Synonym Usage
Include, comprehend, comprise, embrace imply containing parts of a whole. To include is to contain as a part or member, or among the parts and members, of a whole: The list includes many new names. To comprehend is to have within the limits, scope, or range of references, as either a part or the whole number of items concerned: The plan comprehends several projects. To comprise is to consist of, as the various parts serving to make up the whole: This genus comprises 50 species. Embrace emphasizes the extent or assortment of that which is included: The report embraces a great variety of subjects.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
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includibleadjective
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unincludableadjective
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preincludeverb (used with object)
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reincludeverb (used with object)
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unincludibleadjective
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includableadjective
Conjugated Forms
Present
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have includedperfect
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has includedperfect 3rd person singular
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have been includingperfect progressive
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am includingprogressive 1st person singular
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are includingprogressive
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has been includingperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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is includingprogressive 3rd person singular
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includingparticiple
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includessingular 3rd person
Past
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had includedperfect
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were includingprogressive plural
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was includingprogressive singular
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had been includingperfect progressive
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includedparticiple
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includedsimple
Future
Etymology
Origin of include
First recorded in 1375–1425; late Middle English, from Latin inclūdere “to shut in,” equivalent to in- in- 2 + -clūdere, combining form of claudere “to shut”; cf. close
Explanation
The verb include means to consider as a part of something. A list of your favorite things may include chocolate and friends. The verb include also means adding something (or someone) to a category or group. Once you try bungee jumping, you might want to include, or add, that to your list of favorite things. You may be forced to include your little sister in your party if your parents insist.
Vocabulary lists containing include
PARCC: Language of the Test (Grade7)
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Jim Burke's Academic Vocabulary List
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The SAT: Language of the Test, List 4
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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.
Building the soundtrack for FX’s dramedy “The Lowdown” allowed music supervisor Tiffany Anders a chance to showcase an artist she and showrunner Sterlin Harjo wanted to include on “Reservation Dogs”: Jesse Ed Davis.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
Banned items include weapons, fireworks, flares, gas canisters, laser pens, camping chairs, umbrellas, flagpoles, air horns, megaphones, nitrous oxide, and excessive food and cigarettes security would think was more than "personal use".
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
Iran has insisted any deal to end the war must include a truce in Lebanon, which was drawn into the conflict when Iran-backed Hezbollah militants within its borders fired rockets at Israel on March 2.
From Barron's • Jun. 10, 2026
These include conditions such as obesity and high blood pressure, both of which can be managed to help support long-term brain health.
From Science Daily • Jun. 9, 2026
A burly doorman stood watch at the entrance; happily, his uniform did not include a single tuft of fur.
From "The Hidden Gallery" by Maryrose Wood
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
