brag 1 of 3

Definition of bragnext

brag

2 of 3

adjective

brag

3 of 3

noun

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
Now that both of their parents will have performed on the New York City stage, the Leavitt kids will have more to brag about. Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026 In other words, nobody brags, bullies or buys their way into the Derby. Peter Keating, New York Times, 1 May 2026
Adjective
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 Now, after the latest iteration of Kellyoke on the Kelly Clarkson Show, the host can add performing the knockout collaboration live alongside the country icon herself to her list of brag-worthy accomplishments. Larisha Paul, Rolling Stone, 1 Dec. 2022
Noun
While the sale hasn’t started just yet, there are tons of early Amazon Prime Day toy deals to get your holiday shopping started or snag a brag-worthy deal on a birthday gift. Anja Webb, Parents, 24 Sep. 2025 Like any good barbecue IRL, the chat is mostly meat pics, cooking tips (with a dose of half-brags) and occasional smack talk. Farhan Mustafa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brag
Verb
  • The stroller also boasts a large canopy, cup holders and a spacious storage basket.
    ABC News, ABC News, 12 May 2026
  • For a bonus adventure, paddle over to the five-acre Crowninshield Island, which boasts a sandy beach, hiking trails, and tidal pools.
    Amy Thomas, Travel + Leisure, 12 May 2026
Adjective
  • Drag is a wonderful and versatile art form that offers joy and freedom of expression.
    Rachel del Guidice, FOXNews.com, 11 May 2026
  • It’s been really wonderful to have you on today.
    AFAR Media, AFAR Media, 11 May 2026
Noun
  • And Bianco’s rhetoric about forcing changes in state law enforcement — especially on immigration — without the cooperation of Democratic supermajorities in the Legislature is authoritarian nonsense.
    U T Editorial Board, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026
  • In Starmer’s first year in office, his team sought to head off Reform’s surge by appealing to right-wing voters with tougher rhetoric and policies on immigration.
    Christian Edwards, CNN Money, 8 May 2026
Adjective
  • For a player who isn’t exactly known for his defensive acumen, Dorofeyev made several great defensive plays with his stick.
    Eric Stephens, New York Times, 13 May 2026
  • Even in the United States, his student turned assistant Henry LeTang became the tap teacher to hundreds, from starlets needing tailoring to the great Gregory Hines.
    Brian Seibert, New Yorker, 13 May 2026
Noun
  • This is another stride of lyricism, philosophy, I’m-the-best braggadocio, bravado.
    New York Times, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
  • But for everything Gates said that might appeal to a frustrated Democrat like me, his Huntington Beach braggadocio continually won out.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 9 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Who has time for affected meekness when playing the braggart not only tickles the soul, but has the potential to convince others of one’s own greatness?
    New York Times, New York Times, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Of the many incarnations of the narcissist, there is the braggart, and there is also the neurotic.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2025
Adjective
  • This awesome little robovac-mop is literally shaving a full workday a week off her already insane I'm-a-mom schedule.
    Joe Salas May 09, New Atlas, 9 May 2026
  • There was an awesome sequence where Seth hit a superplex, but Bron countered with a Falcon Arrow of his own.
    Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
Noun
  • The chatter among party elites appears at odds with recent polling in Harris’ favor, including in April’s Harvard Center for American Political Studies/Harris Poll, which showed Harris leading the Democratic field with support from 50% of Democrats.
    Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 10 May 2026
  • Student chatter on social media fluctuated between some commenters upset that their tests or assignments would be canceled and others planning beach days in light of the system being down.
    Caleb Lunetta, San Diego Union-Tribune, 8 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Brag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brag. Accessed 15 May. 2026.

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