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

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

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
Lindell bragged of spending millions to combat election fraud. Rachel Royster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Mar. 2026 Dick’s friend was bragging about his kid’s academic prowess. Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 27 Mar. 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
Like any good barbecue IRL, the chat is mostly meat pics, cooking tips (with a dose of half-brags) and occasional smack talk. Farhan Mustafa, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Sep. 2025 Share real results without the humble brags. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brag
Verb
  • Interior design professionals have perfected the art of laundry room design and know how to create spaces that are full of function while also boasting plenty of flair.
    Lindsey Mather, Architectural Digest, 7 Apr. 2026
  • This was in 2021; Ballerina Farm now boasts 15 million followers across platforms and has exploded into a widely recognizable lifestyle brand.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • But that is the context of a wonderful performance.
    Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • And serialization is a glorious, wonderful thing that happens automatically to a show that people love.
    Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • For all Magyar’s rhetoric, his politics do not actually represent a comprehensive break from Orbán.
    Kapil Komireddi, New Yorker, 10 Apr. 2026
  • Orban’s enduring support stems from tangible benefits — utility discounts, pension supplements — alongside nationalist rhetoric emphasizing Hungary’s traditions, regional pride, and external threats such as Ukraine’s war that resonate deeply with rural and elderly voters.
    Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 10 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Chernyshov is a big, strong (6-foot-3, about 200 pounds) winger and modern power-forward type where driving is a part of his identity, but not to a bullish fault as his only focus, and his skill/finesse might take on greater emphasis.
    Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 8 Apr. 2026
  • Polish Remover Wipes are TSA-approved and great for travel.
    Tory Johnson, ABC News, 8 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Rather than bluster and braggadocio, the Department of Defense needs a well-conceived and thoughtfully presented multiyear program to build a military fit for large-scale and sustained war.
    Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Nicholson's portrayal of a rebellious mental hospital inmate is a phenomenal combination of sly intelligence and impish braggadocio, best showcased during the scene where, thwarted in his attempt to watch the World Series on TV, McMurphy ad libs a commentary in front of a blank set.
    Devan Coggan, Entertainment Weekly, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Of the many incarnations of the narcissist, there is the braggart, and there is also the neurotic.
    Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 6 Dec. 2025
  • Still, Kimmel never came off as a braggart.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 24 Sep. 2025
Adjective
  • But these guys are awesome shooters, man.
    Joe Arruda, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
  • There’s tons of awesome stuff happening outside of Austin with Noah Hawley and the [Taylor] Sheridan stuff.
    Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 1 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Those big tires with big sidewalls soak up a lot of the road chatter before the suspension even starts suspending.
    Joe Salas April 07, New Atlas, 7 Apr. 2026
  • August 23 – September 22 Clarity lands where chatter once created noise.
    Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 4 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Brag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brag. Accessed 12 Apr. 2026.

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