bag 1 of 2

1
2
as in purse
a container for carrying money and small personal items she keeps her keys, phone, and wallet each in separate compartments in her bag so that she always knows where they are

Synonyms & Similar Words

bag

2 of 2

verb

1
2
3
as in to leave
to give up (a job or office) if the supervisor says one more nasty thing to me, I'm going to bag this stupid job

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

4
5

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb bag contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bag are capture, catch, ensnare, entrap, snare, and trap. While all these words mean "to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing," bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

Where would capture be a reasonable alternative to bag?

The words capture and bag can be used in similar contexts, but capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

When is it sensible to use catch instead of bag?

While in some cases nearly identical to bag, catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding.

caught the dog as it ran by

How do entrap and ensnare relate to one another, in the sense of bag?

Both entrap and ensnare more often are figurative.

entrapped the witness with a trick question
a sting operation that ensnared burglars

How is trap related to other words for bag?

Trap, snare, entrap, and ensnare imply seizing by some device that holds the one caught at the mercy of the captor. Trap and snare apply more commonly to physical seizing.

trap animals
snared butterflies with a net

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of bag
Noun
That means clean white jeans, thick hoops, a pair of shades, and your favorite bag. Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 18 Apr. 2025 This bundle of mesh bags, $11.99 at Walmart, includes one large bag, two medium ones and two smaller bags for all of your laundry needs. Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
The 19-year-old bagged his first cover of Hunger Magazine. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 20 Mar. 2025 One lucky thrifter managed to bag a $750 bracelet made of 18 karat gold and pure silver from the luxury jewelry brand David Yurman for less than $3. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag
Noun
  • The blanket folds easily into a carrying pouch, which doubles as a pillow.
    Alesandra Dubin, Travel + Leisure, 28 Mar. 2025
  • Original Beef, which are sold in 12-count pouches, 8-count pouches, and single sticks.
    Sabrina Weiss, People.com, 25 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • According to Statista, the Masters purse has grown significantly every year since 2021, as have the winner's earnings.
    Jordana Comiter, People.com, 13 Apr. 2025
  • Furthermore, when considering discretionary spending - such as buying a new purse or dining at fast-food restaurants - Latino consumers are encouraged to adjust their choices to support companies prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.
    Noreen Sugrue, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The two rear cameras live in a small module that protrudes less than a millimeter from the back case.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 11 Apr. 2025
  • Well down the mountainside a small ledge protruded from the sharp ridge like a bulbous growth.
    Percy Brown, Outdoor Life, 26 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Antetokounmpo finished the game by scoring 36 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking two shots.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • So grab a pencil, a few colors or a coloring book and enjoy your boosted brain power.
    Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The department did not say how much money is left of the total $189 billion approved.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2025
  • With few options left, Adam begins considering and concocting ways to enact vengeance, but Basem, having been down that rageful path, advises him otherwise.
    Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Now, Wells has a chance to become the fourth second-round pick in NBA history to win Rookie of the Year.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • That advantage paired with a 14-11 edge in offensive rebounds helped Cleveland win the possession battle, taking eight more field-goal attempts and four more free throws than Miami.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Martin co-starred with Regina Hall and Issa Rae in the 2019 film, which was a modest hit, earning $48 million at the global box office.
    Angelique Jackson, Variety, 10 Apr. 2025
  • The film was nominated for Best Picture, earning 10 nominations and winning four.
    Brian Welk, IndieWire, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His 13 1/2 tackles for loss and 4 1/2 sacks topped the Bruins, and Oluwafemi was voted the team’s most outstanding defensive lineman.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen — Nolen, who produced 114 tackles (25 for loss), 11.5 sacks, one forced fumble and three fumbles recovered in his three collegiate seasons, has the ideal blend of athleticism and power.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 23 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on bag

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!