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
In 2018, a Canadian man pleaded guilty to smuggling guns into Canada via the library by collecting bags of pistols stashed inside the bathroom by his American partners. Trevor Hughes, USA Today, 29 July 2026 Margot Robbie rocks a lacy set and leather bag while stepping out in Paris on July 25. Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
Verb
Previous outbreaks have been linked to raspberries, basil, cilantro, mixed salad greens, snow peas, and bagged salads. Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 15 July 2026 These are notoriously in demand, of course, and require quick fingers to bag them. Fiona Ward, Condé Nast Traveler, 14 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag
Noun
  • Styled with mauve pants, strappy sandals, and an oversized pouch bag, the look strikes the perfect balance between tailoring and unexpected details.
    Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 27 July 2026
  • Inside this gut pouch, tens of millions of bacteria scavenge for scraps of fiber, starch, and other nutrients, and break down cellulose and proteins.
    Marlowe Starling, Quanta Magazine, 27 July 2026
Noun
  • The total purse—including jewelry and other treasures—would be valued at more than £10 million today.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 21 July 2026
  • This sleek, low-key combo can be styled with just about any accessories; a mini purse (perhaps in a bold, trendy color) is essential for a long day out on the town.
    India Roby, Glamour, 20 July 2026
Verb
  • In several looks, the hips protruded impressively outward, but the silhouette appeared more subtle and somewhat suitable for everyday wear in the label’s delicate camisole tops.
    Kelly Niesen, Glamour, 24 July 2026
  • While Kali’s protruding tongue is sometimes interpreted as a gesture of embarrassment or shame, the Rolling Stones’ logo reimagines it as a symbol of protest and antiestablishment sentiment.
    Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Photos appear to show one such altercation, with a fan attempting to grab Preston from the sideline.
    Gary Bedore, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
  • And once the stars are out, the fire pits come to life, where kids of all ages can enjoy s’mores by grabbing a kit from the front desk.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 28 July 2026
Verb
  • That brightness will overwhelm many of the faint Delta Aquariid meteors, leaving only the brightest examples visible.
    Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 30 July 2026
  • The ruling leaves the DOJ with a losing record in district court cases seeking such data, in addition to an earlier appellate loss.
    Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 30 July 2026
Verb
  • Seoul — The AI gold rush is minting new fortunes, but the ex-wife of one of South Korea’s biggest tech titans has failed to win a greater share of his wealth as his company’s stock price has soared.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 24 July 2026
  • In a career that ended in 2023, Harvick won 60 NASCAR Cup Series races, including the 2007 Daytona 500, three wins in the Brickyard 400 at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2003, 2019, and 2020, and the 2014 NASCAR Cup Series Championship.
    Bruce Martin, Forbes.com, 24 July 2026
Verb
  • Elsewhere, Thekla defends the AEW Women's World Championship against Willow Nightingale, who earned the opportunity by winning a Casino Gauntlet match.
    Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
  • Langkraehr earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Missouri, according to his Linkedin profile.
    Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
Noun
  • Two of the biggest questions swirling around training camp revolve around Cooper, the 28-year-old defender who had averaged nine sacks over the past three seasons.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 28 July 2026
  • Parsons and Reggie White were the only two players in NFL history with at least 12 sacks in each of their first four seasons.
    Rob Reischel, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 31 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