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
The Kiehl's 1cc CollaShot Plumping Serum has a lot to brag about, according to the brand, promising to increase skin elasticity for a more youthful, healthy-looking finish. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 26 Oct. 2026 Seaver, who announced Parton’s death at the age of 80, bragged about the deal in Haiti in that message, court records show. — Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 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
Humble brag; That turned out to be a stroke of genius on my part. — Marc Silver, NPR, 19 Apr. 2026 If the turquoise waters of the Caribbean are calling your name, consider Bonaire as your spring break brag. — Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for brag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brag
Verb
  • The automotive series, launched by Marty and Moog, boasts almost 4 million subscribers on YT.
    — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Of course, a familiar face never hurts, and Torino’s competition boasts more star power than most.
    — Ben Croll, Variety, 6 Nov. 2026
Adjective
  • Their sorrowful slow-dance, at first with the air and then with each other, set to the ensemble evoking the crooning of a record player, is just wonderful.
    — Sara Holdren, Vulture, 3 Nov. 2026
  • There is a wonderful offhand quality to their scenes together.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • There may be no bias as prevalent in politics and rhetoric as recency bias, the inclination to give disproportionate emphasis to recent events and statements rather than historical overview and contemplation.
    — Richard E. Vatz, Baltimore Sun, 8 Nov. 2026
  • And the activists’ friends become concerned, urging them to soften the rhetoric.
    — Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 7 Nov. 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
  • The 39-year-old Crosby broke his tie with Kings great Marcel Dionne by scoring his 1,772nd point when Evgeni Malkin's one-timer deflected in off him in the second period.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 8 Nov. 2026
  • The 39-year-old Crosby broke his tie with Kings great Marcel Dionne by scoring his 1,772nd point when Evgeni Malkin’s one-timer deflected in off him in the second period.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 8 Nov. 2026
Noun
  • Reno Wilson is cornerman Drew Bundini Brown; Michael Ealy is Malcolm X; and wrestler Chris Jericho is Gorgeous George, the mouthy TV wrestler who inspired Clay’s braggadocio.
    — Robert Lloyd, Los Angeles Times, 3 Nov. 2026
  • There are no fist-pumping anthems, blister-raising leads or Homme’s cool-AF braggadocio at play here.
    — Jason Pettigrew, SPIN, 21 Oct. 2026
Noun
  • The kitchen-area handwash sink didn’t have any way to actually wash hands (no soap) or dry them (no paper towels or blower).
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Those concerns stretch across the realities of AI’s growth today and more speculative possibilities raised by some technologists and whistle-blowers.
    — Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 20 Oct. 2026
Adjective
  • Students gathered under the stars in Hawaii recently to explore the awesome nature of the night sky together.
    — Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 4 Nov. 2026
  • But if that’s one step too many, skip it—the stew will still be awesome.
    — Chris Morocco, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Brag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brag. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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