1
as in newspaper
a publication that appears at regular intervals
the local rag publishes more gossip than news
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2
as in clothing
rags plural
covering for the human body
the girls showed up at the prom wearing their most elegant rags
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as in prank
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke
a collegiate rag that nearly got him sent down from Oxford
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as in to scold
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
several readers called in to rag the editor for his paper's repeated grammatical lapses
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rag
Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025
Estate sales, yard sales, and connections with rag houses form the backbone of Low Timers’ vintage ecosystem.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025
Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
The staff is running him ragged with the starting and second-team offense in team drills.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rag
Noun
The video went viral, internet sleuths did their thing, and their identities were splashed across every gossip rag in town.
—Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 28 Oct. 2025
Estate sales, yard sales, and connections with rag houses form the backbone of Low Timers’ vintage ecosystem.
—Angela Velasquez, Sourcing Journal, 24 Oct. 2025
Verb
The players had looked ragged, insecure and vulnerable tactically.
—Jacob Tanswell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2025
The staff is running him ragged with the starting and second-team offense in team drills.
—Andrew Callahan, Boston Herald, 31 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for rag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rag
Verb
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Nawat Itsaragrisil, president of Miss Grand International (MGI), was seen scolding Fatima Bosch, a 25-year-old contestant from Mexico, ahead of the 74th Miss Universe competition being held in Bangkok later this month.—
Anabella González,
CNN Money,
8 Nov. 2025
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No doubt many grandmothers will want to scold us, but the truth is, soap isn't going to destroy your cast iron pans.—
Kimberly Holland,
Southern Living,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Christian author Philip Yancey is retiring from writing and lecturing after admitting to a long-running affair with a married woman.—
Brian Niemietz,
New York Daily News,
7 Jan. 2026
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After teaching at Sacramento City College and lecturing at UC Davis, Fisher moved into public history, working with the California Office of Historic Preservation and the Architectural History Department at Caltrans.—
Don Sweeney,
Sacbee.com,
31 Dec. 2025
Verb
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What To Know On November 4, Itsaragrisil publicly reprimanded Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, during a sashing ceremony at a hotel in Bangkok.—
Megan Cartwright,
MSNBC Newsweek,
4 Nov. 2025
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The board voted unanimously to reprimand Bowden.—
Ciara McCarthy,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
28 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Chipotle and Cava both reported weaker sales this fall, blaming a slowdown among younger diners who are packing lunches instead.—
Eva Roytburg,
Fortune,
9 Nov. 2025
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The hurricane has been blamed for 77 deaths, according to the Pan American Health Organization.—
Dinah Voyles Pulver,
USA Today,
9 Nov. 2025
Verb
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House Democrats swiftly criticized the Senate.—
Orianna Rosa Royle,
Fortune,
10 Nov. 2025
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Bibelheimer also had good reason to criticize the film, as Ferrell’s portrayal of her was wildly at odds with the truth.—
Sarah Weinman,
Rolling Stone,
9 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rag. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.
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