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

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
The Blue Jays took the lead in the 10th when Davis Schneider scored as first baseman Munetaka Murakami was ruled to be slightly off the bag while catching Vargas’ throw from third on a George Springer grounder. Lamond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026 Take the quiz here … BALANCED BUZZ — United Airlines checked bag fees climbs $10-50 as fuel prices nearly double since Iran war. FOXNews.com, 3 Apr. 2026
Verb
After scoring 31 points on Wednesday in a quarterfinal win over Black Hills State, Reeves bagged just 16 points against Lander. Walter Villa, Miami Herald, 28 Mar. 2026 The ostensible point of looks-maxxing is to bag hot chicks, but quite clearly the real fun comes from inspiring awe in men. Spencer Kornhaber, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag
Noun
  • Seven stacks of tiny paper cups were arranged to the left, next to packets of Nescafé, pouches of two-minute noodles, and a double gas burner connected to the cylinder—the main tool of his trade.
    Nathan Heller, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
  • The show allowed no cameras for photos and videos, using magnetic pouches to lock phones away until after the show.
    Peter Larsen, Daily News, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Nodding to the ‘90s, these oval shades are the perfect pair to throw in your purse and pull out when Paris has one of those beautifully sunny days that practically beg for an entire afternoon sunbathing on a café terrace with a glass of rosé in hand.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Pensioners receive the money in two small leather purses—one red one and one white one.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 4 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Part of it protrudes from the exterior, with natural airflow helping keep the food inside chilled.
    Adam Williams March 29, New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026
  • In the bathroom, a chemical meant to make trace blood more visible reacted in the sink and the bathtub, while a visible bloodstain was found under the protruding edge of a vanity, Hooks said.
    Evy Lewis, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Making his fifth start of the season in Queta’s absence, the backup center tallied 20 points on 8-of-9 shooting and grabbed nine rebounds.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
  • Miami is now 10-2 this season when grabbing more than 15 offensive rebounds.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • These learnings now sit at the foundation of the Buahan concept and not only ensure that the hotel leaves a positive impact on the community, but also provide guests a level of immersion into the Balinese way of life that few other hotels of this caliber have managed to deliver.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Mar. 2026
  • That leaves a sicker, older, more expensive pool of enrollees, which pushes up premiums for everyone.
    Max Klaver, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Keller stymies defending champ Coppell Claire Garritson scored the game-winning goal in the second half and Keller hung on to beat defending state champion Coppell 2-1 in the Class 6A Division 1 Region 1 Final on Tuesday night at Keller High School.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
  • Brooklyn won the quarter 27-23, but Charlotte still took a 13-point lead into halftime with Miller and Miles Bridges in double figures.
    C.J. Holmes, New York Daily News, 1 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The candidates earned a median annual income of $489,000 from 2021 to 2025, a total that in most cases includes their spouse’s income.
    Ben Paviour, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2026
  • Respect yourself to earn respect from others.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The red mesh sack, of the kind typically used to store oranges or onions, is stamped with her name, immigration number and date of deportation.
    Mathew Miranda, Sacbee.com, 31 Mar. 2026
  • The redshirt junior registered 13 tackles over just four games, which included three tackles for loss, a sack and two pass breakups.
    Matt Murschel, The Orlando Sentinel, 30 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.

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