BAG Synonyms: 211 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

bag 1 of 2

noun

ˈbag

Definition of bag next

as in pouch

a container made of a flexible material (as paper or plastic) she carries her towel and other supplies to the beach in a bright, colorful bag slung over her arm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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bag

2 of 2

verb

as in to protrude

to extend outward beyond a usual point the shirt bagged at the waist

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to grab

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly bagged a deer while hunting last weekend

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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

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as in to win

to obtain (as a goal) through effort bagged a full fellowship at one of the nation's leading universities

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as in to earn

to receive as return for effort bagged an acting nomination for a truly inspired performance

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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

Examples 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

Shortly after going viral for her assortment of Hermès bag charms, Dua Lipa traded up with Prada’s $6,000 buckle bag. —

Kelsey Stiegman, Vogue, 13 Jan. 2025 He was taken from the airport to the crew’s house in Kissimmee, a swampy city in the shadow of Disney World, to throw down his bags. —

Brendan I. Koerner, WIRED, 13 Jan. 2025

Verb

Wrexham eventually triumphed 4-1 in the New Year’s Day romp, in which Steven Fletcher bagged his first hat-trick in English football. —

Richard Sutcliffe, The Athletic, 30 Dec. 2024 No other bagged greens distributed by the company were included in the recall. —

Gord Magill, Newsweek, 19 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for bag

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag

Noun

What to Know John Coogan, co-founder of Lucy Nicotine, told Newsweek the company has been responding to requests for nicotine pouches for firefighters on the frontlines of the California fires.

John Mac Ghlionn, Newsweek, 13 Jan. 2025
Decant cotton swabs into a silicone pouch and baking soda into a travel soap dish.

Kelly Roberson, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Jan. 2025