Definition of include

Short definition: The word include means to make someone or something part of a group, list, or activity instead of leaving them out. People use it to show that everyone or everything belongs together in the same place or plan.

Looking for a clear and real-life explanation of the word include? We use include when we talk about adding something as part of a group, making sure no one is left out, or showing that something belongs in a list, plan, or experience. From travel packages that include meals, to meetings that include everyone’s opinion, this word often carries the idea of openness and completeness. Below, each meaning is explained in a relaxed, natural way with long examples that reflect how people truly use it.

include v. /ɪnˈkluːd/

Verb forms: include, includes, including, included
Related: inclusion n., inclusive adj., inclusively adv.
Syllable: in-clude

(Verb) To make something or someone part of a group, list, or whole.
The price of the tour includes transportation, meals, and accommodation, so travelers don’t have to worry about extra costs.

She made sure to include everyone in the discussion, even those who were usually too shy to speak up.

The final report included feedback from different departments, which made the conclusions more balanced and useful.

Synonyms: contain, involve, cover, incorporate, add, take in, embrace, feature, consist of, bring in, integrate, make part of
Antonyms: exclude, leave out, omit, remove, disregard, skip, bar, ignore, reject, set aside, keep out, shut out
(Verb) To consider something as part of a plan, decision, or responsibility.
When planning the event, they decided to include safety measures as a top priority.

The new policy includes support for remote workers, making it easier for them to balance work and life.

You should include unexpected expenses when preparing your monthly budget.

Synonyms: consider, account for, take into account, factor in, build in, allow for, plan for, make allowance for, incorporate into plans, include in thinking, anticipate, prepare for
Antonyms: ignore, overlook, forget to plan, dismiss, disregard, fail to consider, leave unplanned, neglect, underestimate, bypass, misjudge, skip planning
(Verb) To state clearly that something is part of a set, description, or explanation.
The brochure includes detailed information about all the available services.

Please include your contact details at the bottom of the form.

The instructions included clear steps, making the task easier to follow.

Synonyms: list, mention, specify, state, note, record, document, outline, describe, detail, set out, point out
Antonyms: omit, leave unmentioned, skip details, hide information, exclude from list, overlook, fail to mention, pass over, gloss over, suppress, keep silent about, ignore details
(Verb) To make someone feel welcomed and valued as part of a group or community.
The teacher always tries to include new students, helping them feel comfortable from the first day.

He made a real effort to include his colleague in social activities after work.

A truly healthy workplace is one where everyone feels included and respected.

Synonyms: welcome, involve, embrace, accept, integrate, bring together, make feel part of, open up to, involve socially, connect with, invite in, draw in
Antonyms: exclude socially, isolate, alienate, ignore, push away, shut out, discriminate against, reject, marginalize, sideline, separate, distance
(Figurative) To reflect openness or fairness by ensuring diversity and representation.
The company wants to include different voices when shaping its future strategy.

A strong leader knows how to include people from different backgrounds.

This program was designed to include communities that are often overlooked.

Synonyms: represent, give voice to, open doors to, broaden participation, promote diversity, ensure fairness, bring into focus, acknowledge, value differences, welcome variety, foster inclusion, encourage representation
Antonyms: exclude groups, discriminate, marginalize, overlook communities, silence voices, limit participation, block access, segregate, bias against, favor unfairly, restrict diversity, shut doors

Conversation Using the Word Include

This conversation takes place between coworkers planning a presentation. It shows how the word include is used naturally to talk about adding ideas, details, and people so nothing important is missed.

Michael: Did you include the budget section in the slides?

Sophia: Yes, I included it along with a short explanation.

Michael: Great. We should also include some examples.

Sophia: I agree. Real examples will make the presentation clearer.

Michael: Should we include feedback from the last project?

Sophia: Definitely. It shows that we learn from experience.

Michael: I’ll include the new ideas you shared yesterday.

Sophia: Thanks. Let’s also include everyone’s name in the credits.

Michael: Good point. It’s important to include the whole team.

Sophia: Exactly. When people feel included, they work even better.

Phrases Containing the Word Include

The phrases below show how the word include is used to talk about adding people, details, or items so that everything important becomes part of a plan or list.

Include everyone

To make sure nobody is left out.

The teacher tried to include everyone in the group discussion.

Include details

To add specific information.

Please include details about your experience in the report.

Include examples

To add sample cases.

The guide includes examples to make each step easier to understand.

Include costs

To add expenses.

The price includes costs for delivery and installation.

Include benefits

To add advantages.

The job offer includes benefits such as health insurance.

Include members

To add people to a group.

The project team includes members from different departments.

Include feedback

To add opinions.

Please include feedback so we can improve the service.

Include everyone’s input

To use all opinions.

The manager wants to include everyone’s input before making a decision.

Include all options

To list every choice.

The proposal includes all options for the client to consider.

Include new ideas

To add fresh thoughts.

The team meeting included new ideas that changed the direction of the project.

Include extra features

To add more functions.

The latest version includes extra features for better performance.

Include instructions

To add guidance.

The package includes instructions for easy setup.

Include contact information

To add ways to reach someone.

Please include your contact information on the form.

Include safety rules

To add guidelines.

The manual includes safety rules to prevent accidents.

Include references

To add sources.

The report includes references to support the research.

Include everyone equally

To treat everyone the same.

The program aims to include everyone equally, no matter their background.

Include future plans

To add upcoming goals.

The strategy includes future plans for company growth.

Include extra time

To add more time.

The schedule includes extra time for questions at the end.

Include necessary steps

To add required actions.

The checklist includes necessary steps for safety.

Include something by mistake

To add unintentionally.

I accidentally included the wrong file in the email.

Words Rhyme with include

conclude

exclude

preclude

intrude

attitude

gratitude

fortitude

magnitude

latitude

solitude

multitude

amplitude

aptitude

altitude

longitudinal

interlude

rude

crude

dude

nude

prude

lewd

brood

mood

food

good

hood

stood

could

would

POS: Verb