bag 1 of 2

Definition of bagnext
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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

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verb

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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

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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
Front-row fans are now putting paper bags over their heads. Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 15 May 2026 Lopez’s day bag will feature miniature bags as pockets on the exterior, and the miniatures will also be released as separate bags. Kristen Tauer, Footwear News, 15 May 2026
Verb
Smart, anti-theft crossbody bags An overfilled tote can easily turn into a black hole mid-travel—everything sinks to the bottom, and nothing feels secure. Chaise Sanders, Travel + Leisure, 1 May 2026 Ed Bambas, 88, was bagging groceries at Meijer during one of his regular shifts when his life changed forever. Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag
Noun
  • These schools saw a roughly 30% drop in total device pings during school hours by the third year after pouch adoption.
    Greg Toppo, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
  • Users place the pouch between the gum and upper lip, where saliva moistens it and releases nicotine.
    Fran Kritz, Verywell Health, 12 May 2026
Noun
  • Every day in stores across Florida, thousands of people pull out their wallets and purses to scratch a lottery ticket, hoping for a life-altering prize.
    Jack Jankowski, The Orlando Sentinel, 9 May 2026
  • To start, the purse comes with two straps, both made from the same durable leather.
    Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 9 May 2026
Verb
  • Under the flaps of his jacket there was a small tear in his T-shirt, directly over his left nipple, which protruded like a knot of purple rope.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 14 May 2026
  • And in turn, the 867-foot monolith protruding from the surrounding Wyoming prairie like the stump of the world’s largest tree became a big draw for tourists.
    Marnie Hunter, CNN Money, 14 May 2026
Verb
  • Executives said the focus this year has been on grabbing the biggest audiences and on how artificial intelligence is improving data and outcomes.
    Lillian Rizzo, CNBC, 11 May 2026
  • Reid played a big role in the season-saving quarter as well, scoring six points, grabbing three boards and picking up two assists, including a no-look dish to Gobert for a dunk with three minutes to play.
    Jon Krawczynski, New York Times, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • Connecticut is a part of a deregulated regional electrical grid, and Nicola noted that electricity is bought and sold on the open market, leaving the risks of building new plants to private companies.
    Krisztian Elcsics, Hartford Courant, 12 May 2026
  • Making Democrats disappear The DeSantis scheme would give Republicans 24 of Florida’s 28 seats in Congress, leaving the Democrats with just four.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 11 May 2026
Verb
  • In a rematch of last year’s championship, Jefferson defeated Oconee County 4-3 on penalty kicks to win the girls 3A state title Tuesday at Duluth High School.
    Sarah Spencer, AJC.com, 13 May 2026
  • The greatest clutch player in the history of the sport did it again, scoring the game-winning goal in a 2-1 victory to end the Frost’s dynasty run, and pushing Montreal to the first PWHL Walter Cup Finals in team history.
    Hailey Salvian, New York Times, 13 May 2026
Verb
  • For the three legs of the Triple Crown, jockeys earn a wide range of sums to wear brand logos on their pants, typically varying from low to mid five-figures.
    Lev Akabas, Sportico.com, 15 May 2026
  • The series has since earned GLAAD Media Awards, a Peabody Award win, and 18 Canadian Screen Awards nominations, signaling both its critical acclaim and cultural impact.
    Jesse Whittock, Deadline, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • After finishing 31st in sacks (26) and dead last in turnover margin last season (four), the Jets need immediate production from Bailey during his rookie campaign.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 9 May 2026
  • Ayangbile, who is listed at 6-2 and 265 pounds, had 50 tackles, eight tackles for loss and three sacks last season at Langham Creek High in Houston, Texas.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 17 May. 2026.

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