Contains means 1.Include or contain; have as a component "The record contains many old songs from the 1930's" 2.Contain or hold; have within "This can contains water" 3.Lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits 4.Be divisible by "24 contains 6" 5.Hold back, as of a danger or an enemy; check the expansion or influence of "Contain the rebel movement" While Include refers to: 1.Have as a part, be made up out of "The list includes the names of many famous writers" 2.Consider as part of something "I include you in the list of culprits" 3.Add as part of something else; put in as part of a set, group, or category "We must include this chemical element in the group" cowboy...

they can be synonyms this bottle contains milk. i included your names in the list. include 1. To take in as a part, element, or member. 2. To contain as a secondary or subordinate element. 3. To consider with or place into a group, class, or total: thanked the host for including us. contain: to have something inside 1. a. To have within; hold. b. To be capable of holding. 2. To have as component parts; include or comprise: The album contains many memorable songs. 3. a. To hold or keep within limits; restrain: I could hardly contain my curiosity. b. To halt the spread or development of; check: Science sought an effective method of containing the disease. 4. To check the expansion or influence of (a hostile power or ideology) by containment. 5. Mathematics To be exactly divisible by. www.thefreedictionary.com