grab bag

noun

1

: a receptacle (such as a bag) containing small articles which are to be drawn (as at a party or fair) without being seen

2

: a miscellaneous collection : potpourri

Synonyms of grab bag

• variety
• assortment
• medley
• jumble
• collage
• mixed bag
• blend

Examples of grab bag in a Sentence

Congress has proposed a grab bag of tax cuts.

the festival featured a grab bag of independent films from widely disparate genres

Recent Examples on the Web

In 2000, the guitarist took an admirable swing with the guest-heavy grab bag Iommi, but not all of its nü-era experiments hold up. — Brad Sanders, Pitchfork, 27 Oct. 2026

The mix of drums informed by rap and R&B, strings and guitars gesturing to rock and country, and pop-radio confetti resulted in a grab bag of both great and grating quality. — Craig Jenkins, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026

Most of the passengers on my ship were Francophones (about two-thirds, with the remainder an international grab bag of Aussies, Germans, Portuguese, and Americans). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Sep. 2026

The remaining $10 billion, or 89%, would go to a grab bag of seven bureaucratic housing programs. — John Seiler, Oc Register, 21 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for grab bag

• airbag
• handbag
• ragtag
• sandbag
• ag
• brag
• dag
• drag
• flag
• gag
• hag
• hagg