bag 1 of 2

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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

2 of 2

verb

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2
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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
Around a third of parents say their children have either already requested or will probably request a bag charm, like a Labubu doll or Jellycat, this back-to-school season, according to a survey published by Intuit Credit Karma last week. Natalie Wu, CNBC, 24 July 2025 Courtney shrugged and sat down on the bench, digging her book out of her bag. Literary Hub, 23 July 2025
Verb
City officials said Friday afternoon residents can drop off bagged trash at two temporary sites, the Phillip S. Paxton Equestrian Center at 18661 Buena Vista Ave., and Eastside Community Park at 5400 Eastside Circle. Hanna Kang, Oc Register, 12 July 2025 Lawn experts recommend leaving grass clippings in place on the lawn rather than bagging and removing the cuttings. Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag
Noun
  • The beauty of these pouches lies in their versatility.
    Ronny Maye, Forbes.com, 26 July 2025
  • This compact kit includes 140 pieces (think bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, medical tape) in a water-resistant pouch that fits easily in your pack or car.
    Francesca Krempa, Travel + Leisure, 25 July 2025
Noun
  • Doyle turned around to see her son had snatched her gun from her purse and shot himself in the right leg, the Miami Herald reported, citing an arrest report.
    Lesley Cosme Torres, People.com, 31 July 2025
  • In April, Noem experienced a similar incident, when her purse was stolen at a Washington restaurant by a Chilean national who was in the U.S. illegally, according to the AP.
    Sophia Compton, FOXNews.com, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • That power runs through a six-speed sequential gearbox, controlled via a large handle protruding between us, just beside the equally tall handbrake.
    Sean Evans, Robb Report, 29 July 2025
  • Then on September 15, 2024, as Trump was golfing in West Palm Beach, Florida, a Secret Service agent, authorities said, saw Routh's rifle protruding through the golf course fence and opened fire.
    Peter Aitken Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • Leave your troubles behind and grab a lime, because Thursday is National Tequila Day.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Concerned, the roommates grabbed golf clubs from one of the first-floor bedrooms and checked the house for a possible intruder.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Eventually, the ground will subside, leaving behind a crater about 1,000 feet deep and nearly 2 miles across where Oak Flat and its religious and environmental significance now stand.
    Debra Utacia Krol, AZCentral.com, 30 July 2025
  • Thousands left in divestitures, including the sale or spin-offs of Iams pet food, Duracell batteries and a large portfolio of more than 40 beauty brands, including Clairol and Wella hair coloring and CoverGirl makeup.
    Alexander Coolidge, The Enquirer, 30 July 2025
Verb
  • Who won Head of Household on 'Big Brother'? Who is on the block on 'Big Brother'?
    David Wysong, The Enquirer, 26 July 2025
  • While on that topic, the Vols – coached by Tony Vitello – won the CWS in 2024, ending a 15-year team NCAA drought for UT and fueling a fun baseball rivalry because the state’s two SEC school.
    Gentry Estes, The Tennessean, 26 July 2025
Verb
  • The 29-year-old tennis pro became the first mother in women’s tennis history to earn the WTA World No. 1 Doubles ranking, a milestone that speaks to both her exceptional talent and the unique challenges facing mothers in professional athletics.
    Kimberly Wilson, Essence, 29 July 2025
  • Instead, the latest Marvel movie picks up with its titular foursome several years into their new careers, having already earned fame and respect as the only superheroes on their planet, known as Earth 828.
    EW.com, EW.com, 29 July 2025
Noun
  • Wilkins added 17 tackles, two sacks and six quarterback hits during his brief tenure in Las Vegas.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 25 July 2025
  • With 10 years in the bag, Hicks walks away from the game with 952 tackles, 16.5 sacks, 13 interceptions, and 11 fumble recoveries.
    Justin Grasso, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 7 Aug. 2025.

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