bag 1 of 2

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2
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

2 of 2

verb

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2
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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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5

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

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
Despite the manufacturing challenges and tariff pressures in China — where the bags are made — Mueller is determined to keep Très Gelée accessible. Ryma Chikhoune, Footwear News, 6 Nov. 2025 Reviewers appreciate that the lightweight and stylish duffle makes a great carry-on bag. Isabel Garcia, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
To stake his claim to be considered for a F1 seat at any team, the 20-year-old would increase his odds by bagging the F2 title. Madeline Coleman, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025 Wright put himself in the mix by getting on the end of both Roldan services and bagging a brace on a 33rd-minute near-post finish with the outside of his right foot, then a cutback and left-footed curler to the far post. Braidon Nourse, Denver Post, 15 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag
Noun
  • This gift set gets includes a charging dock, charging cable and travel pouch.
    Tim Chan, Footwear News, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The brand's weekender has a separate shoe compartment and an electronics section with a padded laptop sleeve, as well as slots, pouches, and pockets for cords, a power bank, and other travel essentials.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 4 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • Along with signalling affluence, clothes became wearable purses for travelers and attaching ones coins to a vest instead of carrying a bag was an easy way to avoid theft.
    Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 3 Nov. 2025
  • In severe cases, as long as the tissue wasn’t infected or necrotic, Strickland would gently place it back inside with purse-string stitches.
    Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Spider-y lash extensions protruded from her lash line, reaching to the bottom of her brows; a thin wing of black liner was drawn from the outer corners of her eyes.
    Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2025
  • The protruding bracket behind the air guide appears to be a cable guide, and the box behind the cable guide is a three-drive cage.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The woman’s mother then reportedly grabbed Crouch to keep him away from her daughter, causing Crouch to allegedly begin attacking the victim, the affidavit said.
    Julia Bonavita, FOXNews.com, 3 Nov. 2025
  • Again, hopefully, Foxx was able to relax a little, grab some rays and just breathe.
    Madeleine Marr, Miami Herald, 3 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Even leaving these facts aside, neither the doctrinaire socialism nor militant Islam have ever improved any place on earth, and New York City will not be the first.
    Newsweek Contributors, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • To keep her safe Hekate’s mother leaves her in the underworld with the goddess Styx and Hades.
    Amber McBride, Literary Hub, 5 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Here are luckiest numbers, places to play Did anyone win Powerball last night, October 25, 2025?
    Chris Sims, IndyStar, 26 Oct. 2025
  • By sticking with judo, Harrison won gold at the 2012 Olympics and again at the 2016 Olympics.
    Victoria Moorwood, Cincinnati Enquirer, 26 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With their four nominations, HUNTR/X becomes the first K-pop girl group to earn Grammy nominations, and one of two acts (alongside ROSÉ of Blackpink) to earn nominations in the same year, another first for the genre.
    Stephen Daw, Billboard, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Brown and Harbour have earned two Emmy noms each, with Harbour and Ryder also garnering Golden Globe nods.
    Clayton Davis, Variety, 7 Nov. 2025
Noun
  • The Broncos have 40 sacks on the year, which is 12 more than the second place Detroit Lions.
    Mark Kern, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2025
  • The Ravens’ 11 sacks through eight games are the second fewest in the league.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 9 Nov. 2025.

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