Definition of bagnext
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
But the document further specifies in a flow chart that if all of a person’s belongings do not fit in a 55-gallon bag, a sergeant must weigh in on what to store and what to throw away. Ariane Lange, Sacbee.com, 8 July 2026 Some bags advertise waterproof material, while others have water-resistant bottoms or in some cases, no resistance at all. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
Verb
Based on photos from after the final whistle, at least three were swapped with the Turkish players, and their right-back Recep Cetin bagged the biggest prize, Gary Lineker’s No 10 shirt. Nick Miller, New York Times, 28 June 2026 In October, Apple TV bagged exclusive rights to broadcast Formula 1 races in the country through 2031. Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 27 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag
Noun
  • Oral nicotine pouches, NJOY e-vapor products and—through a joint venture with JT Group called Horizon Innovations—heated tobacco products.
    Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • The two pedestal tables store in pouches on the underside of the sofas, and the sofa benches themselves fold up and back against the wall.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 July 2026
Noun
  • Kansas City Chiefs player Dreu Tranquill’s wife, Jackie Tranquill, won a Chanel purse at the Tayvis wedding.
    Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 7 July 2026
  • This portable misting fan is more discreet than a spray bottle fan on a lanyard and svelte enough to slip into a purse or backpack.
    Abbey Hudetz, Travel + Leisure, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • The abdomen may significantly protrude, pushing the diaphragm upward and making breathing more difficult.
    Jennifer Borresen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Rugged slabs of rock speckled with glaciers and snowfields protrude through the clouds and overlook the entry to Grand Teton National Park.
    Josh Laskin, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Schieffelin, who played football last season because had used up his basketball eligibility, used his bulky frame to grab eight rebounds on an 11-point night.
    Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 7 July 2026
  • Once the excitement had died down, the team gathered in a circle and a player went up to Haaland, grabbed the back of his neck and kissed his cheek.
    Tim Rohan, NBC news, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Still others tend the fleet already in orbit, refueling, relocating, and extending the life of satellites, and clearing the debris that crowded orbits leave behind.
    Charlotte Kiang, Forbes.com, 9 July 2026
  • As a result, more producers have chosen to go elsewhere, leaving a quieter landscape for Georgians seeking employment in film and TV.
    Rodney Ho, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • Wyatt Langford then hit one off the fence to drive in the winning run.
    Jeff Fletcher, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
  • Conine certainly did his part to keep the Marlins’ winning ways going after Miami had a rocky start to the game on Thursday.
    Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Pediatric surgeons earn $450,810 a year, on average, as of 2024, according to federal data.
    Daniel de Visé, USA Today, 5 July 2026
  • Recognizing her extraordinary intellect, the Wheatley family educated her, and by age 20 her poetry had earned publication in London.
    Robin Follman, Oc Register, 4 July 2026
Noun
  • The expert explains that feed and seed companies sold their seeds in colorful calico sacks which were then washed and turned into clothing and quilts.
    Maria Sabella, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 July 2026
  • One has to believe Franklin got in the sack early ahead of his big day.
    Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 4 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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