Definition of bagnext
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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

1
2
3
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
There were some surprises in the rankings, too, with the Fendi Spy bag seeing a 127 percent spike in average resale value amid this year’s Y2K revival. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026 That same day, OpenAI security found another recording device inside an unattended bag belonging to Alfozan, alongside his identification and wallet, prosecutors said. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026
Verb
To combat this issue, trim phlox plants in the fall and carefully dispose of any diseased leaves, either by burning or bagging them for trash disposal to prevent spreading the fungus. — Lauren Landers, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Sep. 2026 Rethink the fall clean-up Traditionally, fall clean-up meant cutting every perennial to the ground, bagging leaves and clearing debris to the curb. — Pam Rosendal, Denver Post, 27 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag
Noun
  • Choose from trios in subtle coordinated colors all packed into a zip pouch for easy transport.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • At its secret premiere at the Telluride Film Festival last month, audience members were required to lock their phones in pouches and warned that security guards with night-vision goggles would be watching for anyone trying to record the screening.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Investigators found a bullet, Kowalewicz’s coat, her shoes, and her little, white communion purse that held her prayer book.
    — Natasha Holt, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • Inside were her cell phone, purse, medication, and a note instructing her mother what to do with the vehicle and all her belongings.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The face is a glossy black plastic with the exterior lenses slightly protruding, keeping the front from looking like a single flat surface.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026
  • In more advanced cases, tissue may protrude through the vaginal opening.
    — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Ditto for the reinterpretation of thong sandals that grabbed attention at Givenchy and Jean Paul Gaultier, or the clear vinyl-like styles seen at Balenciaga, Chloé, Simone Rocha, Stella McCartney and Moschino, among others.
    — Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
  • Mel Ismail, a 56-year-old father, was rescued by another surfer who just happened to show up at the beach and was willing to risk his own life by grabbing his board and heading towards the bloody water.
    — Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Composer Ghulam Mohammed died in 1968 after writing the songs, leaving Naushad to complete the background score.
    — Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 14 Oct. 2026
  • The collection launches with Seeded Natural, an unbleached, undyed fabric that leaves the cotton’s own seeds visible in the weave.
    — Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The production won the Tony Award for special theatrical event.
    — Andrea Flores, Los Angeles Times, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Soon, Senior is the new leader of his son’s gang, winning hearts and minds with ’Nam stories and chummy nicknames.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 15 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • The Gators earned the program's first road win at a top-10 opponent since 2012.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Oct. 2026
  • But sitting on vast swaths of land for years and building very little has earned him some criticism.
    — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • Nickelback Ja'Quan McMillian recorded a sack on the first drive of the game and his interception in overtime set up Wil Lutz's game-winning field goal.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 16 Oct. 2026
  • The Bears also rank second in the conference in sacks produced, while TCU ranks 15th in sacks allowed and 16th in rushing.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 19 Oct. 2026.

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