brag 1 of 3

Definition of bragnext

brag

2 of 3

adjective

brag

3 of 3

noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word brag distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of brag are boast, crow, and vaunt. While all these words mean "to express pride in oneself or one's accomplishments," brag suggests crudity and artlessness in glorifying oneself.

bragging of their exploits

When is boast a more appropriate choice than brag?

Although the words boast and brag have much in common, boast often suggests ostentation and exaggeration, but it may imply a claiming with proper and justifiable pride.

boasts of every trivial success
the town boasts one of the best museums in the area

When would crow be a good substitute for brag?

In some situations, the words crow and brag are roughly equivalent. However, crow usually implies exultant boasting or bragging.

crowed after winning the championship

How is vaunt related to other words for brag?

Vaunt usually connotes more pomp and bombast than boast and less crudity or naïveté than brag.

vaunted his country's military might

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 brag
Verb
Stadler officials have bragged that MARTA will have the most technologically advanced system in North America. Thad Moore, AJC.com, 27 May 2026 In the weeks that followed the shooting death of a 19-year-old Marine in Fort Worth earlier this year, the suspect bragged about the killing to a tipster, according to police documents. Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 27 May 2026
Adjective
The benefits of a brag book Part of growing your salary comes with asking for a raise, which Tu believes most workers aren’t asking for often enough. Jane Thier, Fortune, 6 Dec. 2022 Now, after the latest iteration of Kellyoke on the Kelly Clarkson Show, the host can add performing the knockout collaboration live alongside the country icon herself to her list of brag-worthy accomplishments. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2022
Noun
The entertainment industry is no stranger to individuals who espouse contested stories about screen hits, but the producers of Legacy of Lies have grown tired of his brags. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025 While the sale hasn’t started just yet, there are tons of early Amazon Prime Day toy deals to get your holiday shopping started or snag a brag-worthy deal on a birthday gift. Anja Webb, Parents, 24 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brag
Verb
  • Each boasts a spacious open floor plan commingling indoors and outdoors over a single, continuous space.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
  • That's why their Boston Victorian boasts a living room full of original wood details, and their latest project, a 1970s cabin, is full of midcentury modern style meets Maine.
    Sarah Everett, The Spruce, 2 June 2026
Adjective
  • Delisle was fiery and wonderful, but the angel came later.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 3 June 2026
  • The retro American bar—with its picture windows right on the river—is a wonderful spot for a glass of fizz or a vintage Negroni.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 2 June 2026
Noun
  • Markets have been whipsawed by the abrupt turns in rhetoric, but hopes that a ceasefire extension helped drive stocks toward a historic streak of weekly gains, even as sporadic attacks occur.
    Kate Sullivan, Fortune, 30 May 2026
  • But the proud born-again evangelical is channeling the zeal of an old-fashioned tent revival, even if some of his rhetoric falls far outside the bounds of the Good Book.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 30 May 2026
Adjective
  • Monroe’s image-making Monroe always had greater agency over her still images than her moving images, which were largely determined by the film studios and directors.
    Sheena McKenzie, CNN Money, 3 June 2026
  • In performance and direction, and in the small ways in which Caswell and Wills have plotted out this isolated love story, there’s a level of great richness and detail.
    Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • This is another stride of lyricism, philosophy, I’m-the-best braggadocio, bravado.
    New York Times, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
  • But for everything Gates said that might appeal to a frustrated Democrat like me, his Huntington Beach braggadocio continually won out.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Not to become a braggart, but to amplify my or our team’s success on projects or risk going unnoticed.
    Lintao "LT" Lu, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Who has time for affected meekness when playing the braggart not only tickles the soul, but has the potential to convince others of one’s own greatness?
    New York Times, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2026
Adjective
  • Yes, the pretty pictures of the Moon were awesome, but the inspiration is far more valuable.
    Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 31 May 2026
  • While domestic is +10% in weekend 3, international is up an awesome +39%.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 31 May 2026
Noun
  • In December 2024, Lipa posted photos featuring a diamond ring on her left ring finger, spurring engagement chatter.
    Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2026
  • There’s plenty of chatter behind the scenes about more stories to come after the torrent of revelations since Platner announced his campaign.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 1 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Brag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brag. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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