brag 1 of 3

Definition of bragnext

brag

2 of 3

adjective

Synonym Chooser

How is the word brag distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of brag are boast, crow, and vaunt. While all these words mean "to express pride in oneself or one's accomplishments," brag suggests crudity and artlessness in glorifying oneself.

bragging of their exploits

When is boast a more appropriate choice than brag?

Although the words boast and brag have much in common, boast often suggests ostentation and exaggeration, but it may imply a claiming with proper and justifiable pride.

boasts of every trivial success
the town boasts one of the best museums in the area

When would crow be a good substitute for brag?

In some situations, the words crow and brag are roughly equivalent. However, crow usually implies exultant boasting or bragging.

crowed after winning the championship

How is vaunt related to other words for brag?

Vaunt usually connotes more pomp and bombast than boast and less crudity or naïveté than brag.

vaunted his country's military might

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 brag
Verb
Along with facing off against the likes of Tom Brady and Karl-Anthony Towns, Bieber also challenged Djokovic, 39, to a bonus game of ping pong — and couldn’t help but brag about his skill. Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 6 Aug. 2026 So, The Hawk is number one on Netflix in the US and the service is bragging about it. Paul Tassi, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
Adjective
Do not blunder into a situation of getting caught with a brag afoot. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 The benefits of a brag book Part of growing your salary comes with asking for a raise, which Tu believes most workers aren’t asking for often enough. Jane Thier, Fortune, 6 Dec. 2022
Noun
If the turquoise waters of the Caribbean are calling your name, consider Bonaire as your spring break brag. Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026 The entertainment industry is no stranger to individuals who espouse contested stories about screen hits, but the producers of Legacy of Lies have grown tired of his brags. Jake Kanter, Deadline, 25 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brag
Verb
  • For the ultimate glamping experience, the Vista Airstream Suite boasts a luxurious outdoor shower.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026
  • Perched on the coast of Saturna Island—part of Canada’s South Gulf Islands—this modern two-bedroom boasts floor-to-ceiling windows and a direct view of the ocean.
    Kelsey Mulvey, Vogue, 14 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Such a contrast to the wonderful Bootham Crescent, York’s home until 2020 and within stumbling distance of not only the famous Minster but all the city’s many other attractions.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Stepping into the shoes of Steve McQueen is no easy feat, but Brosnan does so with style as Thomas Crown, a billionaire art thief who falls for the insurance investigator chasing him, played by the wonderful Rene Russo.
    Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 13 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • When Rodrigo, Perry, Grande, and Kahan made public comments, spokespeople for the White House used the opportunity to spread hateful rhetoric.
    Maya Georgi, Rolling Stone, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The messages included in court documents contain assassination threats, including via firing squad and hanging, as well as Islamophobic and homophobic rhetoric.
    Joseph Buczek, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • Clayton is cool and kind and a big braggart.
    Wendy Paris, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2026
  • Not to become a braggart, but to amplify my or our team’s success on projects or risk going unnoticed.
    Lintao "LT" Lu, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Ryan Eckley did great holding — good job stepping in on our operation, which was awesome.
    Jeff Zrebiec, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Scott made it to her feet and was allowed to continue, which wasn't the greatest decision by the referee.
    Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • In the context of tens of thousands of DPS students who aren’t making gains quickly enough to ever meet proficiency levels, such fanfare is essentially distracting braggadocio.
    Elaine Gantz Berman, Denver Post, 27 July 2026
  • With every passing game, Marsch’s braggadocio attracted largely negative headlines around the world.
    Joshua Kloke, New York Times, 7 July 2026
Noun
  • Individual pipes are manually added or removed from the organ to change chords, and the sustained sound of the piece is produced through an electric blower system that forces air into the pipes.
    News Desk, Artforum, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Piedmont Park Arts Festival This long-standing arts festival brings out more than 250 sculptors, painters, leatherworkers, glass blowers, jewelers and more.
    Elizabeth Green, AJC.com, 30 July 2026
Adjective
  • Like genuinely one of the most awesome episodes in the Game of Thrones universe.
    Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 9 Aug. 2026
  • Justin Gonzales, the club’s top power prospect, is having an awesome stretch for the Drive.
    Mac Cerullo, Boston Herald, 9 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Brag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brag. Accessed 17 Aug. 2026.

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