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
One such post on X received an inordinate amount of attention as one man bragged about masking at the British Museum in London to keep himself healthy and avoid losing points of IQ. Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 1 June 2026 But other evidence, including video and text messages of the officer bragging about the shooting, bolstered Martinez’s account and a judge dismissed the federal charges against her. Zoe Sottile, CNN Money, 29 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
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
  • The new location is massive, boasting a design that draws inspiration from the Halo Board inside the nearby Intuit Dome.
    Alejandro Avila OutKick, FOXNews.com, 10 June 2026
  • Home to Old Faithful – one of the most famous geysers in the world – Yellowstone boasts an impressive collection of hydrothermal features, but also is a great spot for hiking, wildlife watching, nature photography and much more.
    Alia Beard Rau, USA Today, 10 June 2026
Adjective
  • Cutting a ribbon, celebrating this wonderful binational relationship, and the wonderful Gordie Howe Bridge that is the new crossing linking Windsor and Detroit.
    Paula Wethington, CBS News, 9 June 2026
  • However, while this plant is wonderful for home gardens and dinner tables, not all plants will work well as its neighbor.
    Michelle Mastro, Martha Stewart, 9 June 2026
Noun
  • Healey, a former two-term attorney general, is completely disregarding public safety by her reckless rhetoric and actions – all to win another election.
    Joe Battenfeld, Boston Herald, 4 June 2026
  • The escalating rhetoric comes at a critical moment for the two countries, which next month will embark on a review of their free trade agreement with Canada.
    Kate Linthicum, Los Angeles Times, 3 June 2026
Noun
  • 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
  • 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
Adjective
  • Roberto Duran, the Central American nation’s most famous son, is one of the greatest boxers in history.
    Elias Burke, New York Times, 10 June 2026
  • The Lincoln home site provides another dimension to the study of the man often cited as the nation’s greatest president.
    USA TODAY Network, USA Today, 10 June 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
  • 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
  • Having a product [like the serum] cover five steps in one is so awesome.
    Michelle Lee, PEOPLE, 4 June 2026
  • His latest victory is some awesome YouTube content.
    David Hookstead OutKick, FOXNews.com, 3 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Brag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brag. Accessed 11 Jun. 2026.

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