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
Corn in the reach-in freezer was in direct contact with non food-grade bags. David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2026 Kate Spade Outlet Kate Spade creates bags at the intersection of classic and kitschy, and the Kate Spade Outlet is the best place to shop these styles for less. Jessie Quinn, StyleCaster, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
With series five just around the corner, Chelsea’s visit is likely to be a big deal for a show that has already bagged 10 Primetime Emmy awards. Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 5 Mar. 2026 Trust me, this curler bagged me Toby, the barely verbal trad husband of my dreams. Fiona Landers, New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag
Noun
  • The Casey features a spacious main compartment, front pockets and side pouch to organize your phone, wallet, water bottle and more.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026
  • The games were also sold in a white pouch with gameplay instructions on the back.
    Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • SmartCard is a super slim tracking card that fits discreetly into any wallet, purse or bag.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Accessorize your look with sandals or kitten heels, and throw on a chic purse.
    India Roby, Glamour, 21 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Or if a finger was so sliced open that the bone protruded.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 15 Mar. 2026
  • The front tire was flat, with a screw protruding from it.
    Shira Moolten, Sun Sentinel, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • For an affordable meal, grab a cheap lunch at a konoba — a Croatian tavern — tucked away from the main tourist drag.
    Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Kuechly was called for two defensive fouls as NFL players had trouble grabbing flags.
    Jim Reineking, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • What happens when a movement built on peace sets off a chain of events that leaves a region fluent only in the language of violence?
    Noo Saro-Wiwa, The Dial, 24 Mar. 2026
  • Her aunt had resisted leaving the capital for two weeks, but was finally convinced to evacuate.
    Jason Rezaian, New Yorker, 24 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Combined with 66 high school recruits signed during the same period, the Aggies have essentially turned over the roster while winning 19 of 26 games.
    Tony Catalina, Austin American Statesman, 18 Mar. 2026
  • Rookie center Maxime Raynaud had a career-high 32 points and nine rebounds for the Kings (18-52), who had won four of their last five games.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 18 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Brownwood slips past Godley Brownwood’s Aiden Jimenez broke a 0-0 tie with the game’s only goal, off an assist from Raven Prado, as the Lions earned a 1-0 win over Godley in a Class 4A Division 2 bi-district match on Friday at Briles Stadium in Stephenville.
    Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Mbiya also earned the praise of Kansas coach Bill Self, who called him KU’s second-best player in the game behind superstar Darryn Peterson.
    Shreyas Laddha, Kansas City Star, 21 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Gastineau recorded 22 sacks in 1984, an NFL record.
    Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Bain was at his best during UM’s playoff run, making 17 tackles, eight tackles for loss and five sacks in four playoff games.
    Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 25 Mar. 2026.

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