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
But bragging about enjoying a hard shell taco nowadays is like showing up to a street takeover in a horse buggy. Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 13 May 2026 The officer who rammed Martinez’s car and shot her multiple times — and bragged about it in his text messages — was allowed to leave the state and repair the car involved in the incident. Edwin C. Yohnka, Chicago Tribune, 11 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
  • Best of all, the suit boasts built-in UPF 50 sun protection.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
  • Located in midtown, the park boasts nearly 200 acres of green space, walking trails, recreational sport facilities and a lake with a fishing dock.
    ABC News, ABC News, 19 May 2026
Adjective
  • The aesthetic is going to go a lot of different places across Season 8, too, including two episodes in the round and the finale, which Badner wouldn’t dare spoil but is proud of the wonderful collaboration between the production design, camera, and lighting teams.
    Sarah Shachat, IndieWire, 19 May 2026
  • Shrubs, such as American filbert (Corylus americana), are a wonderful way to add interest to your landscape throughout multiple seasons.
    Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 19 May 2026
Noun
  • Stop listening to the rhetoric coming from the government.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 16 May 2026
  • Musk’s attorney pressed him on the discrepancy between mission rhetoric and personal enrichment.
    Anisha Sircar, Forbes.com, 16 May 2026
Adjective
  • The eye-catching color gives off instant vacation vibes, and looks great under a breezy white button-down or simply worn with the matching high-rise bottoms.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2026
  • The young people who pick up popular science books at the library tend to be deeply curious and self-motivated—qualities that also characterize great researchers.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 May 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
  • 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
  • Of the many incarnations of the narcissist, there is the braggart, and there is also the neurotic.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • Australia’s awesome Alpha Wolf is on a world tour stopping in New Haven.
    Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant, 16 May 2026
  • This is right up my alley and the lineup was awesome.
    Jesse Kirshbaum, SPIN, 15 May 2026
Noun
  • There is chatter that Otto at least attempted to die by suicide.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 18 May 2026
  • So, yes, there likely will be chatter in that regard should the Cavaliers fall short with their current build.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 17 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Brag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brag. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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