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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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rag
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2025
All apologies begin In condensation & end in the sweep
Of a bar rag.
—Amy Woolard, The Atlantic, 20 Apr. 2025
Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
Photos provided by Niğde representatives show the mummy with its arms crossed and placed on a bed of sheets and ragged cardboard.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rag
Noun
After removing the stain, rinse the rag well with clean water and go over the area several times, rinsing as needed, to remove any detergent residue.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2025
All apologies begin In condensation & end in the sweep
Of a bar rag.
—Amy Woolard, The Atlantic, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
Occasionally, the group appeared a touch ragged, but that’s the appeal: The band followed her flow, weaving drama into the songs.
—Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
Photos provided by Niğde representatives show the mummy with its arms crossed and placed on a bed of sheets and ragged cardboard.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rag
Verb
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Five months after beating New York Red Bulls for the club’s sixth MLS Cup title, the Galaxy lost the rematch 7-0 in New York — seven-nil — prompting an impromptu team scolding on the field by Vanney after the final whistle.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 May 2025
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The moment a golden retriever and his feline friend were scolded by their owner for their behavior during her trip has left people in stitches.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 May 2025
Verb
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We’ve often been lectured by people all over the place about how the United States needs to continue to be a beacon for those who are oppressed abroad.—
Asher Notheis,
The Washington Examiner,
18 May 2025
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Geragos, 67, the criminal defense lawyer known for his roster of celebrity clients, was lectured in a Manhattan federal court this week after making statements about the case on a podcast.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2025
Verb
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The justices also reprimanded federal authorities for failing to provide the detainees with more due process under the Alien Enemies Act.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
16 May 2025
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One of the central conflicts begins when the cute five-year-old daughter, I-Jing (Nina Ye), is reprimanded by her otherwise aloof grandfather for being left-handed.—
Ritesh Mehta,
IndieWire,
14 May 2025
Verb
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According to Reuters, many locals have blamed the sites for creating an unsustainable rental environment, reducing housing supply and making rent unaffordable for locals.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
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Like with Michaels, HBO initially blamed Pilgrim for the accident, but later settled for £500,000 ($669,000), according to the stunt pro’s barrister.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
19 May 2025
Verb
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The decision also sparked fierce debate from religious conservatives who criticized one board member’s staunch opposition to introducing prayer.—
Nora O’Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
22 May 2025
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The achievement was especially sweet for Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, who has been widely criticized for the club’s Premier League performance this season.—
David Close,
CNN Money,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rag. Accessed 30 May. 2025.
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