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
Around a third of parents say their children have either already requested or will probably request a bag charm, like a Labubu doll or Jellycat, this back-to-school season, according to a survey published by Intuit Credit Karma last week. Natalie Wu, CNBC, 24 July 2025 Courtney shrugged and sat down on the bench, digging her book out of her bag. Literary Hub, 23 July 2025
Verb
City officials said Friday afternoon residents can drop off bagged trash at two temporary sites, the Phillip S. Paxton Equestrian Center at 18661 Buena Vista Ave., and Eastside Community Park at 5400 Eastside Circle. Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 12 July 2025 Lawn experts recommend leaving grass clippings in place on the lawn rather than bagging and removing the cuttings. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag
Noun
  • The beauty of these pouches lies in their versatility.
    Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • This compact kit includes 140 pieces (think bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, medical tape) in a water-resistant pouch that fits easily in your pack or car.
    Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • The reality star carried a clutch purse and rocked mermaid waves.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 21 July 2025
  • Looking for a teeny purse to hold just the essentials on an evening out?
    Genevieve Cepeda, Travel + Leisure, 20 July 2025
Verb
  • In Khao Yai National Park near Kong Kaeo Waterfall, for example, researchers found a robber fly attached to the bottom of a leaf with small flower-like growths protruding from its head, thorax and abdomen, earning the new fungus the name Ophiocordyceps floriformis.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 10 July 2025
  • Wilson was sporting a welt on the protruding bone on his left wrist after the game, which quickly received a wrap from the team’s medical staff.
    Chris Biderman July 8, Sacbee.com, 9 July 2025
Verb
  • Leave your troubles behind and grab a lime, because Thursday is National Tequila Day.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Concerned, the roommates grabbed golf clubs from one of the first-floor bedrooms and checked the house for a possible intruder.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • While Drake has continued with subtle jabs in his music, Pusha appears content with leaving their rivalry in the past.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 15 July 2025
  • Cut lemons tend to lose their moisture quickly, especially if left exposed to air in the fridge.
    Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Who won Head of Household on 'Big Brother'? Who is on the block on 'Big Brother'?
    David Wysong, The Enquirer, 26 July 2025
  • Democrats have only once won three gubernatorial elections in a row in Wisconsin.
    Craig Gilbert, jsonline.com, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • The sandy shores are combed for seaweed and trash nightly, which earned the town a Blue Wave certification.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 July 2025
  • In addition to his annual base salary and supplemental compensation, Smith is eligible to earn up to $45,000 annually through performance bonuses tied to booster engagement, athletic success and academic achievement.
    Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 15 July 2025
Noun
  • Wilkins added 17 tackles, two sacks and six quarterback hits during his brief tenure in Las Vegas.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 July 2025
  • With 10 years in the bag, Hicks walks away from the game with 952 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 13 interceptions, and 11 fumble recoveries.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 29 Jul. 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!