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

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

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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
This includes access to pottery wheels, tables, studio tools, glazes, a personal shelf, a 25-pound bag of clay, a discount on workshops and classes and the option to sell work in the gift shop for a commission. Remington Miller, Arkansas Online, 1 May 2025 Backpacks range from $105-225, bags are $60-125, and accessories are $16-45. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 1 May 2025
Verb
The 19-year-old bagged his first cover of Hunger Magazine. Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 20 Mar. 2025 One lucky thrifter managed to bag a $750 bracelet made of 18 karat gold and pure silver from the luxury jewelry brand David Yurman for less than $3. Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 20 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag
Noun
  • There’s also a mesh cup holder and a small side pouch to house your phone, sunscreen, and other accessories.
    Toni Sutton, People.com, 16 Apr. 2025
  • Its rectangular shape evokes a vintage cigarette pouch, and every detail harks back to the fashion house’s extensive, industry-defining legacy.
    Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Clearly, a proponent of the tiny purse trend all year-round, Sofia Richie Grainge looks ready for a spring picnic.
    Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 28 Apr. 2025
  • Secretary Kristi Noem’s purse at a restaurant in downtown Washington, D.C, law enforcement officials said Sunday.
    Sarah Fortinsky, The Hill, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Those bulges protruding like alien offspring are potato, dozens of layers stacked and compressed into golden squares with crisp edges.
    Jenn Harris, Los Angeles Times, 28 Apr. 2025
  • When the mannequin’s arm came off in the scout’s hands – bones protruding – ol’ Elmer became a nationwide mystery.
    Greg Evans, Deadline, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Rams: After winning the 2024 draft, their biggest news this year was Sean McVay & Co. grabbing the Falcons’ 2026 first-round pick.
    Jacob Robinson, New York Times, 1 May 2025
  • The game ended appropriately with Minnesota’s Naz Reid grabbing an offensive rebound off a Timberwolves missed free throw attempt and hugging the ball like Minnesota hugged this victory.
    Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 1 May 2025
Verb
  • Prosecutors accused Read of striking O’Keefe with her SUV then leaving him to die in the snow.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 25 Apr. 2025
  • Along the way, they are disappointed to learn that Miami Beach has strict rules for spring breakers and plans to enforce those rules, leaving them disappointed.
    Peter D'Abrosca, FOXNews.com, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Now, Wells has a chance to become the fourth second-round pick in NBA history to win Rookie of the Year.
    Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 21 Apr. 2025
  • That advantage paired with a 14-11 edge in offensive rebounds helped Cleveland win the possession battle, taking eight more field-goal attempts and four more free throws than Miami.
    Anthony Chiang, Miami Herald, 21 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Brunson earned 70 first-place votes, 24 second-place votes, and four votes for third place, hauling in 426 points — 114 more than three-time MVP, Denver Nuggets star Nikola Jokic.
    Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 24 Apr. 2025
  • The impact on child care in California To be eligible for the Head Start program, families must earn less than the federal poverty level — $26,650 dollars per year for a family of three — or be homeless, disabled or part of the foster system, making them among the most vulnerable in the state.
    Jenny Gold, Los Angeles Times, 23 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • His 13 1/2 tackles for loss and 4 1/2 sacks topped the Bruins, and Oluwafemi was voted the team’s most outstanding defensive lineman.
    Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Ole Miss’ Walter Nolen — Nolen, who produced 114 tackles (25 for loss), 11.5 sacks, one forced fumble and three fumbles recovered in his three collegiate seasons, has the ideal blend of athleticism and power.
    Omar Kelly, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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