bag 1 of 2

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

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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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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 are few things more inimical to self-reinvention than drinking yourself into the big zip-up bag at age 44. Anthony Crupi, Sportico.com, 13 Feb. 2026 First 100 guests receive a reusable bag. Howard Cohen, Miami Herald, 13 Feb. 2026
Verb
Sabine Payer of Austria, who kicked Ledecka out of the contest, bagged a silver medal. Reuters, NBC news, 8 Feb. 2026 After dancing through bodies in a packed penalty area, Wirtz calmly pulled the ball back for Ekitkike to poke home from close range — bagging his ninth and then 10th Premier League goals of the season. Mark Carey, New York Times, 2 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag
Noun
  • At just $10 for two pouches, this Hiearcool product (which has an impressive 82,000+ five-star ratings) is an absolute steal.
    Mariana Zapata, Travel + Leisure, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Leung suggests bending extra wire hangers into frames for mini planters and attaching small pouches with twine or yarn to hold air plants.
    Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Avoid pillowcases with large holes that can allow dust to enter, and choose light colors since dark colors and designs may bleed onto leather purses or clothing and stain them.
    Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 14 Feb. 2026
  • Today, however, the outlet reduced its price even further and after 81% in total savings, this versatile purse clocks in at $57.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • This anatomy features a lower jaw with teeth that protrude out between the upper set—a trait previously only seen in flying pterosaurs, marine ichthyosaurs, and semiaquatic crocodilian predators.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Around the side, the former casino facade is now the front of Joe Leaphorn’s workplace, the Kayenta tribal police station, complete with protruding wood beams.
    Pat Saperstein, Variety, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • On Friday night, Harry and Meghan grabbed dinner at Funke in Beverly Hills, where Meghan celebrated her 44th birthday last August.
    Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 16 Feb. 2026
  • Man, like when your hair starts grabbing at your collar.
    John Nogowski, Hartford Courant, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The newest Chinese subs are not believed to be as quiet as US ones, leaving the stealth advantage to the US Navy.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 17 Feb. 2026
  • Homan said that immigration operations will continue even as additional agents leave the state.
    Conor Wight, CBS News, 16 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • The Aztecs won both games amid a six-game winning streak, but attendance dropped in each of their final three home games.
    Kirk Kenney, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 Feb. 2026
  • The winning bid for the rare card was placed by venture capitalist AJ Scaramucci, the son of former White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services.
    USA Today staff, USA Today, 13 Feb. 2026
  • Beyond her performances, Russo has earned critical recognition as a songwriter.
    Kristen Wisneski, Billboard, 13 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Jonathon Cooper and Brandon Jones closed the game out with a fourth-and-10 sack of Justin Fields, who finished with minus-10 net passing yards.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 15 Feb. 2026
  • There was plenty of food available—and not the worst kind—stored in sacks, containers, and on the shelves.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.

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