Found 11 stronger alternatives to upgrade your writing.
Have inside (physical)
Nuance: Holds within
Best for physical things inside something.
Boring
The backpack includes three notebooks.
Better
The backpack contains three notebooks.
Teach/deal with a topic
Nuance: Scope of content
Great school word for what will be on a test.
Boring
The test includes Chapter 1 and Chapter 2.
Better
The test covers Chapter 1 and Chapter 2.
Add in as part of a whole
Nuance: Blended in
Sounds more academic than include.
Boring
We included facts from two sources in our report.
Better
We incorporated facts from two sources into our report.
Require as a necessary part
Nuance: Necessary part
Use when something is required/part of it.
Boring
Playing soccer includes a lot of running.
Better
Playing soccer involves a lot of running.
Have as a highlight
Nuance: Spotlighted
Use when something is a special highlight.
Boring
The movie includes a famous actor in a key role.
Better
The movie features a famous actor in a key role.
Be made of (parts)
Nuance: Made up of
Good for ingredients/parts that make up a whole.
Boring
Our lunch includes soup and salad.
Better
Our lunch consists of soup and salad.
Be made up of (formal)
Nuance: Whole/part relationship
Formal; good for essays and reports.
Boring
The committee includes five members.
Better
The committee comprises five members.
Cover a wide range (formal)
Nuance: Broad coverage
Use when it covers a big range.
Boring
The survey includes students from every grade.
Better
The survey encompasses students from every grade.
Involve as a consequence/requirement
Nuance: Requirement or consequence
Formal; often used for duties/requirements.
Boring
The job includes working on weekends.
Better
The job entails working on weekends.
Welcome/include willingly
Nuance: Welcoming
Often positive; suggests welcoming.
Boring
Our club includes students from all backgrounds.
Better
Our club embraces students from all backgrounds.
Total (count)
Nuance: Amounted to
Formal/counting tone (often past tense).
Boring
The crowd included over 500 people.
Better
The crowd numbered over 500 people.