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
Pitt receiver Tyreek Robinson’s fishing habit might never have reached Narduzzi’s attention if the Monongahela hadn’t coughed up a 5- to 6-pound bass worth bragging about. Ira Gorawara, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026 Noling's lawyers wrote in court documents that a man told authorities that his foster brother, Wilson, bragged about committing the crime. ABC News, 18 Aug. 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
  • Thankfully, the act is not nearly as endangered as it was once reported to be, with chains like AMC boasting booming attendance numbers.
    Kat Chen, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Create your athleisure look with jackets, tops, sports bras, leggings and more, all boasting optimal coverage.
    ABC News, ABC News, 4 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • The coast on this part of Tuscany is a little wild, but wonderful for swimming, and guests have access to the boat for excursions to nearby islands and morning swims off secret coves.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Gloria lived a full, wonderful life filled with friends and great conversations and worthy causes.
    Joey Nolfi, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • Others have felt personally attacked by Kennedy’s anti-establishment rhetoric.
    Lauren Chan, STAT, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Galliano berated a French couple with antisemitic and anti-Asian rhetoric in February 2011, which led to his conviction.
    Zack Sharf, Variety, 31 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
  • Countries with far smaller digital ecosystems, like Cambodia and Laos, have even greater struggles to attract and retain AI talent.
    Brian Wong, Fortune, 6 Sep. 2026
  • The tropical cyclone reached Category 5, defined by sustained winds of 157 mph or greater, overnight Friday before losing some of its steam and settling into Category 4’s limits of sustained winds of 130 to 156 mph by Saturday.
    Dennis Romero, NBC news, 6 Sep. 2026
Noun
  • But smokejumpers generally eschew the spotlight—even a hint of braggadocio amid their ranks is looked down upon—and so their work feels especially shrouded.
    M. R. O’Connor, New Yorker, 2 Sep. 2026
  • Against this stripped down but still bumping backdrop, Christmas and Crack’s loose, witty braggadocio shines.
    Brendan Hay, SPIN, 24 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The deli counter handwash sink didn’t have any paper towels or mechanical blower.
    David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
  • The blowers must purse their lips in just the right spot and exercise extraordinary breath control.
    Lois K. Solomon, Sun Sentinel, 27 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • These ideas flew over our heads as kids, and we were mostly occupied by the pretty lights and awesome fight scenes.
    George Yang, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2026
  • Thank you for the awesome times and thank you to everyone who has worked there.
    Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Brag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brag. Accessed 7 Sep. 2026.

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