in the bag
phrase
1
as in necessary
impossible to avoid or evade
After the last goal, they knew their victory was in the bag.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in drunken
slang
being under the influence of alcohol
He called us at 2:00AM, in the bag and looking for a ride home.
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 in the bag
The first knockout games are in the bag, and another 16 teams have exited the tournament.
—
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
4 July 2026
Weiser, in his pre-election pep speech to volunteers Monday, acknowledged head-on that many pundits and political observers said Bennet had the race in the bag from the moment the three-term senator decided to head home.
—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
30 June 2026
Nick Miller,
New York Times,
4 July 2026
Weiser, in his pre-election pep speech to volunteers Monday, acknowledged head-on that many pundits and political observers said Bennet had the race in the bag from the moment the three-term senator decided to head home.
—
Nick Coltrain,
Denver Post,
30 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for in the bag
under the influence
Phrase
-
Do not use fireworks while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
-
Bears are thriving thanks in part to an abundance of food — including acorns, deer and boars — under the influence of a warming climate, experts say.
Cite this Entry
“In the bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/in%20the%20bag. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
