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
Kansas City Chiefs coach Andy Reid, trainer Rick Burkholder, and general manager Brett Veach were outed by their tailor, who went online to brag about fitting their suits. Rob Sheffield, Rolling Stone, 29 June 2026 The president bragged about that record when reacting to New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's preferred candidates' recent sweep in three Democratic primaries on June 23 for Congress. Phillip M. Bailey, USA Today, 27 June 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
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 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 See All Example Sentences for brag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brag
Verb
  • This relaxed college town, home to Cal Poly, boasts a renowned Thursday night Farmer's Market with diverse food and live music, including famous tri-tip.
    Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • The new Witte Hall is tiered with seating for nearly 300 and boasts an 11-by-19-foot video screen and a new audio system.
    Erika I. Ritchie, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
Adjective
  • There was something wonderful about the energy of the space—sprinkled with students diligently studying for final exams.
    Dana Kravis, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • The airline’s business class is well worth the splurge, thanks to the delicious food and beverage offerings, comfortable seats, innovative programs, and wonderful service on board.
    Elizabeth Rhodes, Travel + Leisure, 14 July 2026
Noun
  • The rhetoric comes across as a little harsh, and some people are disappointed by that.
    Jack Herrera, New Yorker, 14 July 2026
  • The back-and-forth doesn’t lend itself to the rhetoric of de-escalation that Wall Street had been hoping for.
    Eleanor Pringle, Fortune, 13 July 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
  • Naturally, minds will go back to 1986, when Argentina beat England 2-1 and Diego Maradona scored arguably the greatest World Cup goal of all-time.
    Stuart James, New York Times, 12 July 2026
  • And the greatest Golden Boot chase in World Cup history as greats Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe, Haaland and Kane rose like giants.
    Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 12 July 2026
Noun
  • In person, Huang subdues his ironic braggadocio with polite eye contact and rolling belly laughs at his own jokes.
    Mariella Rudi, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • This is another stride of lyricism, philosophy, I’m-the-best braggadocio, bravado.
    New York Times, New York Times, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • The story is told from Dah’s perspective, as Jocelyn—who displays a quasi-mystical rapport with fighting cocks—suffers an emotional breakdown, putting their business and their lives in danger.
    The New Yorker, The New Yorker, 26 July 2024
  • The former became fighting cocks and the latter became sows.
    Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 6 June 2023
Adjective
  • As a matter of fact, along this awesome stretch, a sober man would walk and lead a horse — or, better yet, not take a horse at all.
    Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 15 July 2026
  • But this was an awesome opportunity to do something fun, cool and different.
    Ronnie Li, USA Today, 14 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Brag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brag. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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