bag 1 of 2

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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

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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
That means clean white jeans, thick hoops, a pair of shades, and your favorite bag. Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 18 Apr. 2025 This bundle of mesh bags, $11.99 at Walmart, includes one large bag, two medium ones and two smaller bags for all of your laundry needs. Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
The 19-year-old bagged his first cover of Hunger Magazine. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 20 Mar. 2025 One lucky thrifter managed to bag a $750 bracelet made of 18 karat gold and pure silver from the luxury jewelry brand David Yurman for less than $3. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag
Noun
  • There’s also a mesh cup holder and a small side pouch to house your phone, sunscreen, and other accessories.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Its rectangular shape evokes a vintage cigarette pouch, and every detail harks back to the fashion house’s extensive, industry-defining legacy.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Clearly, a proponent of the tiny purse trend all year-round, Sofia Richie Grainge looks ready for a spring picnic.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse at a restaurant in downtown Washington, D.C, law enforcement officials said Sunday.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Those bulges protruding like alien offspring are potato, dozens of layers stacked and compressed into golden squares with crisp edges.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • When the mannequin’s arm came off in the scout’s hands – bones protruding – ol’ Elmer became a nationwide mystery.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Antetokounmpo finished the game by scoring 36 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking two shots.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Police said that once Davis left the apartment, the surviving 10-year-old quickly grabbed her baby brother, locked the door and called for help.
    Chris Spargo, People.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Prosecutors accused Read of striking O’Keefe with her SUV then leaving him to die in the snow.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Four defeats in their first five outings left the team in a lowly sixth in the eight-team division, seven points behind Swansea City in fifth.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Now, Wells has a chance to become the fourth second-round pick in NBA history to win Rookie of the Year.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • That advantage paired with a 14-11 edge in offensive rebounds helped Cleveland win the possession battle, taking eight more field-goal attempts and four more free throws than Miami.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Brunson earned 70 first-place votes, 24 second-place votes, and four votes for third place, hauling in 426 points — 114 more than three-time MVP, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The only pairs that earned our seal of approval were durable enough to stand up to sweat, secure enough to wear while sprinting, and safe enough to run with outdoors.
    Jennifer Heimlich, SELF, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His 13 1/2 tackles for loss and 4 1/2 sacks topped the Bruins, and Oluwafemi was voted the team’s most outstanding defensive lineman.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen — Nolen, who produced 114 tackles (25 for loss), 11.5 sacks, one forced fumble and three fumbles recovered in his three collegiate seasons, has the ideal blend of athleticism and power.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 2 May. 2025.

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