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

2 of 2

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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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
Kane also introduced some new styles, like the asymmetrical axe bag in white leather, and the chop, a smaller, curved shoulder bag style, both centered on the idea of cutting away at a Mulberry tree to promote new growth, Kane explained backstage. — Lucy Maguire, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026 Inside, deputies said, was a clear plastic bag filled with a white powder. — Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
Kane might win the numbers game and — surprise — Bayern might have bagged their umpteenth Bundesliga title in a row. — Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026 Since 1998, when his indie drama Slam bagged the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance and the Caméra d’Or at Cannes, the poet, rapper, musician, actor, and director has had a thoroughly fascinating, not to mention utterly unique, career. — Emily Temple, Literary Hub, 8 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag
Noun
  • Pouch cell retains 78% capacity Researchers also built a small, single-layer pouch cell to demonstrate the chemistry beyond the coin cells typically used in early-stage battery research.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Khadijah had insisted on nursing their newborn Aziza with her own breast milk, but Latif discovers that only a few pouches remain in the fridge and formula makes his baby sick.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • The latter is a flexible, breathable hide of pigs and has been used to make products such as shoes, purses, wallets and early forms of sports equipment.
    — Michael Peregrine, Chicago Tribune, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Typology’s formula bridges the gap between makeup and skin care, and the purse-friendly applicator is great for touchups throughout the day.
    — Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • As has the part where Reacher uses his left paw with two nails protruding from the palm as a makeshift Wolverine/Freddy Krueger stabbin’ hand.
    — Chris Klimek, Vulture, 16 Sep. 2026
  • For the hunters, a massive grey orb with a ramp protruding from it is one clue.
    — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 11 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • An urge strong enough to pull me away from the kitchen, grab my computer, and steal a table outside to scribble out my thoughts.
    — Samantha Rees, Vogue, 21 Sep. 2026
  • The video then shows the deputy grabbing the wallet and opening it, showing Bolduc and the bodycam the contents.
    — Steven Yablonski, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • Additionally the company employs an all-local team of chefs, wilderness guides, and property managers—a commitment that helps address the region’s rural migration crisis, as young people leave their villages to find work in more urban areas.
    — CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Sep. 2026
  • As a result, some opted to cut their losses, selling their towers at steep losses or leaving their fates to the foreclosure block.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • McGovern lost, Obama won—but Obama won the presidency without transforming the Democratic foreign-policy class.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • The Moroccan Constitution requires the king to appoint the head of government from the party that wins the most seats in legislative elections.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • More than 1,000 employees have moved into driving roles through the program, where first-year drivers can make up to $115,000 annually and more experienced drivers can earn up to $135,000, according to the company.
    — Alice Barlow, Fortune, 26 Sep. 2026
  • The Associated Press SHENZHEN, China -- SHENZHEN, China (AP) — Elina Svitolina slammed her racket on the court to celebrate earning Ukraine a spot in the Billie Jean King Cup final for the first time Saturday.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 26 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Maryland edge rushers Zahir Mathis and Sidney Stewart combined for 13 sacks last season.
    — Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The defense has no sacks through two games, and the pressure percentage is less than half of the next-worst team in the league.
    — David Furones, Sun Sentinel, 24 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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