Definition of bagnext
1
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

4
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
Haaland, who has already caught the world’s attention with his sprawling collection of Hermès bags and relatable love for a tacky trinket, was dressed to the nines. Leah Dolan, CNN Money, 15 July 2026 As the suspect fled his car and was followed by a police car, Herron picked up her delivery bag and proceeded to complete the delivery, per the outlet. Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 14 July 2026
Verb
While on the subject of shopping, always refuse to take home store hangers when the cashier is bagging your items. Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 1 July 2026 Despite challenging climates, producers employ unique techniques like bagging grapes to cultivate quality. Akiko Katayama, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag
Noun
  • For that reason, pouches are one of our favorite travel hacks, serving as mini go-bags during a flight and an easy way to stay organized on the go.
    Morgan Ashley Parker, Travel + Leisure, 13 July 2026
  • The versatile purse includes an adjustable strap and a removable pouch that’s the perfect size for small essentials.
    Emily Weaver, PEOPLE, 12 July 2026
Noun
  • These charming pieces include spacious totes that can also serve as a personal item when flying, chic crossbody bags, and statement-making purses like this seashell bag.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
  • Once outside, Parks fishes a pair of blue flip-flops out of her purse and changes out of her heels.
    Clio Chang, Curbed, 14 July 2026
Verb
  • Next, plug the separate, short USB-C cable protruding from the back support bar into the port on the seat's base.
    Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 9 July 2026
  • The small black object protruding underneath the door kept showing up and the woman told her mother about her suspicions.
    Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • With the back tyre in the water, grab the front brake and stand up off the bike.
    New Atlas, New Atlas, 13 July 2026
  • Ethiopian content creator Kalu Putik has grabbed the attention of the fashion world with his outfits made from old clothes, shoes, and garbage scraps.
    Jenny Vaughan, semafor.com, 13 July 2026
Verb
  • Be vigilant about never leaving young children and pets in vehicles without supervision, especially during periods of intense heat, as car interiors can quickly become extremely hot.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 16 July 2026
  • That leaves the amusement park on the border of the Carolinas in Charlotte and Rock Hill without one of its signature attractions at the height of its busy summer season.
    Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026
Verb
  • Boise State won the 1980 NCAA Division I-AA (now FCS) national championship in Setencich’s first season, defeating Eastern Kentucky, 31-29, in the title game.
    Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 17 July 2026
  • The former three-time major winner has been all but forgotten by his former peers in the PGA, in part because his son is now a rising star who’s won a couple of tournaments.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 16 July 2026
Verb
  • On the other side, Bedard at one point considered an even shorter deal to maximize his earning potential.
    Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 19 July 2026
  • More than 180 products across 60 categories earned gold, silver and bronze medals, but only one item in each product type took home the coveted Golden Bear.
    Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 19 July 2026
Noun
  • Hargrave, a third round draft choice by Pittsburgh in 2016, is a two-time Pro Bowler (2021, 2023) with 49 career sacks.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Robinson, the 2024 first-round pick, has 10 sacks in two seasons.
    Chris Perkins, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on bag

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster