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
Because the truth takes time to come to light, the anti-Trump side will be slow to respond to the pro-Trump boast and brag. David Frum, The Atlantic, 3 Jan. 2026 This model brags a magnetic docking system, and while its made for Caraway pan lids in particular, any metal handle should do the trick. Alex Ronan, Architectural Digest, 1 Jan. 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
Share real results without the humble brags. Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 18 Sep. 2025 That means consistently putting yourself first by updating your résumé, utilizing LinkedIn, getting recommendations, continuing professional development and keeping your brag book ready, Kennedy says. Alyshia Hull, USA Today, 17 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brag
Verb
  • This single-story home boasts a generous living space with four bedrooms and two baths.
    Bay Area Home Report, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
  • Both nations boast vast petroleum reserves and extensive mineral wealth, long positioning themselves as anti-imperialist adversaries of the US.
    Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 7 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • This has been a wonderful season.
    Scott Fowler, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2026
  • Keep reading to discover all of the wonderful possibilities this tiny home unlocks, for just $9,800.
    Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • That kind of rhetoric is escalatory.
    Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 6 Jan. 2026
  • Regardless, the Islamic Republic’s response has been to frame criticism as betrayal, suggesting that those who question support for Gaza or Lebanon are complicit with imperialism – a narrative enforced through a mix of rhetoric and coercion.
    Kamran Talattof, The Conversation, 6 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • The country's greatest resource is not oil beneath the ground, but people--inside and outside the country--who still care deeply about its future.
    Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Newsom is certainly right that California is a great state and an economic engine unmatched by other states.
    Sal Rodriguez, Oc Register, 9 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • But the tonal change from braggadocio to lionization is notable, Reisman slipping at times into the giddiness of a die-hard fan meeting their idols.
    Julien Levy, Rolling Stone, 27 Dec. 2025
  • Other details, freely tweaked, mesh, too, but the main similarities are in temperament—a megawatt personality and a penchant for braggadocio.
    Richard Brody, New Yorker, 19 Dec. 2025
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
  • Although a recent visit to Palo Alto’s Taverna was lackluster except for the awesome outdoor décor and cute waiters, its sister ship in Portola Valley is absolutely lovely, and the food more in line with expectation.
    Laura Ness, Mercury News, 11 Jan. 2026
  • The first stop on this retrospective journey is the Cold War, a time marked by scientific breakthroughs that were both awesome and terrifying.
    Matthew S Williams, Interesting Engineering, 10 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Famed for launching Downton Abbey, the network has been courting sale interest for well over a year, but for all the industry chatter and press speculation, ITV’s silence has been stony.
    Max Goldbart, Deadline, 8 Nov. 2025
  • In the case of Copeland, has noted that his name has not even been brought up within WWE, even with the online chatter.
    Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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