sack 1 of 3

sack

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verb (1)

sack

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verb (2)

as in to plunder
to search through with the intent of committing robbery thieves sacked the house in search of the diamond necklace

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb sack contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sack are despoil, devastate, pillage, ravage, and waste. While all these words mean "to lay waste by plundering or destroying," sack implies carrying off all valuable possessions from a place.

barbarians sacked ancient Rome

Where would despoil be a reasonable alternative to sack?

The synonyms despoil and sack are sometimes interchangeable, but despoil applies to looting or robbing without suggesting accompanying destruction.

the Nazis despoiled the art museums

When could devastate be used to replace sack?

The words devastate and sack can be used in similar contexts, but devastate implies the complete ruin and desolation of a wide area.

an earthquake devastated the city

How are the words pillage and sack related?

Pillage implies ruthless plundering at will but without the completeness suggested by sack.

settlements pillaged by Vikings

When can ravage be used instead of sack?

While the synonyms ravage and sack are close in meaning, ravage implies violent often cumulative depredation and destruction.

a hurricane ravaged the coast

When might waste be a better fit than sack?

While in some cases nearly identical to sack, waste may imply producing the same result by a slow process rather than sudden and violent action.

years of drought had wasted the area

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 sack
Noun
Tackle Devonte Wyatt shined early with three sacks in the first four games. Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 Carter James, also on the defensive line, had 67 tackles and 12 sacks last season. Charles Baggarly, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 July 2025
Verb
At least one department, the Department of Veterans Affairs, has massively scaled back a plan to sack more than 76,000 employees. Rebecca Morin, USA Today, 10 July 2025 On a stroll through New York City yesterday, Hathaway’s outfit offered a fun solution for not sacking off your denim in the high summer heat just yet. Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for sack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sack
Noun
  • Fiserv Forum's bag policy Per Fiserv Forum's website, bags aren't permitted, though wallets smaller than 4 inches-by-6-inches-by-1-inch are allowed.
    Hannah Kirby, jsonline.com, 24 July 2025
  • 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
Noun
  • The Red Sox made their bed last month when Devers was shipped to the Giants.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 July 2025
  • The populations at the different homes vary depending on the season, the report says, with the average occupancy taking up about 70% of the beds in the state.
    Laura Schulte, jsonline.com, 14 July 2025
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
  • Within a week of her return, the 10-year-old Jack Russell and Patterdale mix seemed stiff and didn't even want to jump on the couch.
    Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025
  • But petite shoppers deserve to look put-together and feel comfortable, too—during a long flight, while napping on the couch, running errands, or otherwise.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • The names of previous detainees were carved onto the mental bunks.
    Juwayriah Wright, Time, 15 July 2025
  • He was told to sit on his bunk for the count, an interminable process that involved tallying every prisoner on the farm, from the men locked down in solitary cells to those wrangling cattle in far‑flung fields.
    Literary Hub July 8, Literary Hub, 8 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Sack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sack. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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