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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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
As part of the Singapore Green Plan 2030, Fu introduced a nationwide plastic bag charge in 2023 and a beverage-container recycling program that will begin in 2026. Elisabeth Brier, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 The zipper also does not span the entire top of the bag; rather, it is inset about an inch on each side, where a pair of clip-down flaps allows the bag to take on less of a tote shape and more of a boxy profile. Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025
Verb
Wayne had bagged a good ram about 3 o’clock that after noon, then had worked until dark lowering the ram down a series of cliffs and ledges on the north end of Bennett Mountain. Tim Kelly, Outdoor Life, 4 Sep. 2025 Still, Everton have bagged a potential superstar. Tim Spiers, New York Times, 2 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag
Noun
  • Organic baby food company, Sprout Organics, initiated a voluntary recall of one lot of its Sweet Potato, Apple & Spinach food pouches on September 16, 2025.
    DeVonne Goode, Parents, 17 Sep. 2025
  • Each was topped off with the brand's mainstay accessories, focusing on a new barrel shape bag and a rounded frame pouch, which also came in mini size as a necklace.
    Roxanne Robinson, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • So prepare to be impressed—and to make room in your purse for the best lip products of the year.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
  • These huge purse payouts attracted horses from all over the world.
    Danny Brewer, Forbes.com, 15 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This lore drop about the legendary warrior-chief is a withering tease for Kōnane, a once-ubiquitous pastime that was carved into stone slabs across the islands, some of which still protrude from the ground.
    Matt Negrin, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2025
  • In the article, Sanderson reported the location of the ship, so that other sailors could steer clear of the protruding masts.
    Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 17 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Plus, grab knife sets and a nifty electric can opener to streamline your cooking.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 16 Sep. 2025
  • As Jey checked on Jimmy, LA Knight grabbed the steel chair and teased hitting Jey Uso.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Much of central Saskatchewan received less than half an inch of rainfall in April and May, leaving many wetlands dry.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 16 Sep. 2025
  • Among its 14 plant oils are argan kernel and rice bran, which regulate sebum production and loosen dead skin cells, respectively—and, together, leave your pores looking significantly smaller and your skin significantly smoother.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 16 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Seattle Mariners’ 6-4 win Saturday gave them a two-game lead in the American League West, a division the Astros have won in each of the past seven 162-game seasons.
    Chandler Rome, New York Times, 21 Sep. 2025
  • Both wins in the series came at Boulder, however.
    Ben Verbrugge, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • Bueckers earned 70 of 72 votes, with Washington’s Sonia Citron receiving the remaining two.
    Roberta F. Rodrigues, Forbes.com, 20 Sep. 2025
  • Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services.
    Fernando Cervantes Jr, USA Today, 20 Sep. 2025
Noun
  • The senior finished with three sacks, 11 tackles, two quarterback hurries and one pass deflection to help lead Menlo to a 35-0 victory on the road over Branham.
    Darren Sabedra, Mercury News, 16 Sep. 2025
  • With Burrow at quarterback, the dynamic wide receiver pairing of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins and a defense led by last year’s sack leader Trey Hendrickson, the Bengals looked primed to make a deep playoff run.
    Ben Morse, CNN Money, 16 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 22 Sep. 2025.

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