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
Tong was in possession of multiple bags, which officers later searched through after obtaining a search warrant, discovering several bottles containing substances commonly used in the manufacture of meth, according to the outlet. Landon Mion, FOXNews.com, 1 May 2026 Chronister said one of the fishermen's lines snagged on a bag in the water. Mirna Alsharif, NBC news, 1 May 2026
Verb
Although cleaning roofs is an entirely different process, one best practice when washing the roof is always to bag the downspouts. Jenna Sims, Southern Living, 15 Apr. 2026 Meanwhile, Hussain, who was picked by Kolkata in 2024 but didn't play, bagged Yashasvi Jaiswal in his first over and took three late wickets, including Rajasthan top-scorer Donovan Ferreira on 69 off 44 balls. ABC News, 13 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag
Noun
  • Energy drinks and nicotine pouches help people stay alert and sharpen focus when that morning coffee caffeine jolt isn't enough.
    Jessica Guynn, USA Today, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The drawstring pouch, formally known as the reticule, is widely considered one of the first-ever handbags.
    Andrea Zendejas, Vogue, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • To fund its operations, HISA charged tracks using a formula that blended racing starts with purse sizes—meaning high-purse tracks like Churchill Downs paid disproportionately more.
    Catherina Gioino, Fortune, 2 May 2026
  • The look came complete with a pumpkin-carriage purse, LED lights that accentuated the blue gown, and special effects smoke billowing from the magic wand of her stylist, Law Roach—a fashion fairy godmother in the flesh.
    Savannah Walsh, Vanity Fair, 1 May 2026
Verb
  • According to court documents cited by Cleveland television station WJW, witnesses told investigators that Bryant was seen walking toward the Costco entrance with what appeared to be a drum magazine protruding from his pocket.
    Taylor Ardrey, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2026
  • In one shared by the road commission, the rushing, foaming flow might be confused for a threatening river if not for the road guardrails protruding from the water.
    Darcie Moran, Freep.com, 26 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Rivera’s defense team contended that the gun went off inadvertently in a struggle after Rosen reached into the car and grabbed Rivera.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Walsh locked down Maxey out of a Sixers timeout to force a turnover, and the Celtics grabbed four offensive rebounds on one first-quarter possession, with Walsh and Scheierman accounting for three of them.
    Zack Cox, Boston Herald, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Then Cash made another surprising move by leaving Vilade in to hit against Gaddis rather than pinch-hitting lefty Jake Fraley, and that also paid off when Vilade delivered an RBI single up the middle.
    Marc Topkin, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The country’s labor market didn’t come to a standstill, as was the case in other countries in the region such as the United Arab Emirates where the vast majority of workers are migrants who tried to leave, but for Rozen, something new and troubling was laid bare.
    Theia Chatelle, Sun Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The big man, who won the 2016 NBA Championship as a member of the Cleveland Cavaliers, previously had his younger sibling under a guardianship, according to TMZ.
    Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Schindler also put down the winning kill in both games for the Knights (16-5, 1-1).
    Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • The Thunder earned a bit of a break and await the Lakers, potentially without Luka Dončić.
    Dan Santaromita, New York Times, 2 May 2026
  • Plus, earn 5% total cash back on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked with Citi Travel.
    Liz Knueven, CNBC, 2 May 2026
Noun
  • Ossai isn’t a bad pass rusher either, getting five sacks in each of the last two seasons, a total that somehow would’ve ranked second on the Jets last season.
    Zack Rosenblatt, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026
  • Bailey should instantly improve the Jets’ defense, which finished with 26 sacks, which was the second fewest in the NFL in 2025.
    Antwan Staley, New York Daily News, 27 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 4 May. 2026.

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