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
That is, by throwing gonzo parties and bidding for cool points by bragging about having swum to Jeffrey Epstein's island. Ryan Coleman, Entertainment Weekly, 7 June 2026 Prosecutors say Ross shot and killed one victim, injured a young woman who was shielding her infant, and later recorded a rap song bragging about the murder. Doug Myers, CBS News, 6 June 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 two meet again this afternoon, with France boasting arguably the strongest squad in the competition and a frightening front line that could include Michael Olise, Ousmane Dembélé, Désiré Doué and Kylian Mbappé.
    NBC News, NBC news, 17 June 2026
  • Early data from the platform already reveals a massive spike in user engagement, boasting double the typical conversion rates and tripled time spent on site.
    Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 16 June 2026
Adjective
  • But in general, working with Tim is just wonderful.
    Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 16 June 2026
  • The park and walls have wonderful views, so take a seat and relax.
    Jaymi McCann, TheWeek, 16 June 2026
Noun
  • The memo’s overheated rhetoric and lengthy recitation of political grievances also raise some doubts about his claims.
    Benjamin Mazer, The Atlantic, 8 Dec. 2025
  • The controversy also highlights growing concerns regarding the influence of betting interests on fan reactions and the integrity of sporting events, as well as the broader issue of violent rhetoric in digital spaces.
    Jordan King, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Dec. 2025
Noun
  • The strongest were always the ones who quietly earned the medals the braggers coveted, strove to act calmly and built up everyone around them.
    Colin Pascal, Baltimore Sun, 9 June 2025
Adjective
  • There is now much greater emphasis on analysis and data.
    Andy Mitten, New York Times, 17 June 2026
  • The tornadoes that do form in the higher risk area could become intense — EF3 strength or greater — and might also travel long distances.
    Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 17 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
  • Linda has traditionally been played as a soft, doting figure blinded by admiration for her husband, in all his busted braggadocio.
    Michael Schulman, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Still, Kimmel never came off as a braggart.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2025
  • Even aside from Trump’s own enthusiastic personal immorality and impiety, his political style — the pugnacious smear artist and demagogic braggart — was the antithesis of what evangelicals had sought before.
    Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 23 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • One patriotic American who doesn't need any reminder that his country is awesome is FOX Sports soccer analyst Alexi Lalas.
    Austin Perry OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 June 2026
  • Meeting and working with Mandy Moore for a couple of months was so awesome.
    Jim Dudlicek, Chicago Tribune, 14 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Brag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brag. Accessed 17 Jun. 2026.

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