bag 1 of 2

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

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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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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

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
Transfer berries to a storage container or resealable plastic bag for freezing. Jessica Farthing, Southern Living, 10 Apr. 2026 No bags of mulch or stacks of containers; instead, this small, 4-acre nursery is all about unusual plants, including an impressive selection of lilies, hostas, and East Asian woodland species. Teresa Woodard, Midwest Living, 10 Apr. 2026
Verb
Her easy jeans and beachy aviators give the polished jacket and bag a more casual feel. Katherine J Igoe, InStyle, 3 Apr. 2026 Her purchases bagged up by a teen. Literary Hub, 3 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag
Noun
  • Trooper, which sells a 75-item box equipped with water pouches, meal bars, and a hand-crank radio, designed to sustain a family of four for 72 hours, built its kits after the 2024 floods but has found an altogether different audience since the missile and drone volleys started, AGBI reported.
    Manal Albarakati, semafor.com, 7 Apr. 2026
  • EaTi One comes in a reusable pouch made of sturdy plastic, protecting your gear from scratches and cuts.
    Maryna Holovnova, New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Yeah, no, the purse was not in there.
    Peter Van Sant, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2026
  • Elegant folding design for easy storage in bags, backpacks or purses with a lightweight yet durable frame for everyday use.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Harden, 36, with his famous, protruding beard and those dark, piercing eyes, was determined to use his star power to get his way, to bring with him a slice of comfort to a new city.
    Joe Vardon, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Part of it protrudes from the exterior, with natural airflow helping keep the food inside chilled.
    Adam Williams March 29, New Atlas, 29 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Mornings tend to revolve around Regatta Buffet, or, for something lighter and more grab-and-go, Café Madeleine or Bahama Bagel.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 7 Apr. 2026
  • Feel daring, attention-grabbing and unapologetically you.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Moments later, the person in the video drove away, leaving the kittens behind but one man quickly stepped in.
    Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 7 Apr. 2026
  • The killer exited through the window, walked across neighborhood backyards and down the alley, leaving a trail of evidence behind him.
    Patrick Salland, Kansas City Star, 7 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • However, Eovaldi found his groove, and the Rangers went on to win their second straight over the Mariners, 3-2, at Globe Life Field.
    Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Given Southampton had only dropped points from a winning position twice in the previous 21 league games — Portsmouth and Charlton Athletic both rescuing a 1-1 draw apiece — a comeback seemed unlikely.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Matt Strahm worked a hitless eighth inning and Lucas Erceg earned his fourth save.
    CBS News, CBS News, 11 Apr. 2026
  • Mansaray now works under a company that requires her to make daily returns of 350 leones ($14), earning an average daily wage of 175 leones ($7), enough to cater to her family and considered high income for many in the country.
    ABC News, ABC News, 11 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • While Proctor was a big fish in a smaller pond, his 16 career sacks and 26 total tackles for loss were impressive marks for an interior lineman.
    Mike Kaye April 6, Charlotte Observer, 6 Apr. 2026
  • Lawrence has 341 tackles and 30 1/2 sacks in 109 regular-season games in the league.
    ABC News, ABC News, 6 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.

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