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
California has regained its bragging-rights ranking as the world’s fourth-largest economy. Jonathan Lansner, Oc Register, 29 Jan. 2026 Last month, prosecutors dropped assault charges against Marimar Martinez after questions arose about the official version of an agent who shot her in traffic in Brighton Park, purportedly in self-defense, then bragged later about his marksmanship in text messages with his buddies. Jason Meisner, Chicago Tribune, 24 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
  • Housebound was met with rave reviews from critics and currently boasts a 95% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
    Anthony D'Alessandro, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2026
  • But the musician appears ready to play larger venues again, with his 2026 itinerary boasting gigs at numerous amphitheaters around the country.
    Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
  • Second, that Carrick was genuinely a player of wonderful ability, who was seen as a tremendous talent from a young age.
    Michael Cox, New York Times, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Giving family members an opportunity to enjoy the cruise at their own pace can go a long way to creating a trip filled with wonderful memories, Denison says.
    Stacey Lastoe, Southern Living, 3 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • The image and the rhetoric are not only unfair but untrue, said Marlene.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 31 Jan. 2026
  • Hostile video appears on screen During a presentation, a video of a man shouting anti‑Israeli rhetoric appeared on the screen.
    Erin Jones, CBS News, 31 Jan. 2026
Adjective
  • China is seizing an opportunity to challenge American dominance in global finance and exert greater international influence at the expense of the all-powerful US dollar.
    Stephanie Yang, CNN Money, 4 Feb. 2026
  • The last challenge is that the very faint objects that are both intrinsically small and are located at great distances present a big challenge to any observatory that has to contend with Earth’s atmosphere.
    Big Think, Big Think, 4 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Timmy’s Marty promotional tour was loud and brash — viral Zoom videos, Soulja Boy routines in Brazil, standing atop the Sphere in Las Vegas — and had a lot of people wondering if his decision to adopt a Marty Mauser-style braggadocio would ultimately hurt his chances to win over Oscar voters.
    Vulture Editors, Vulture, 12 Jan. 2026
  • 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
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
  • Sean McDermott was super accommodating, (Texans head coach) DeMeco Ryans, awesome, Lincoln Riley, USC, Ryan Day at Ohio State, Billy O’Brien at Boston College.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 1 Feb. 2026
  • Even beyond those special events, the live music here is awesome.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • There was some chatter about Alshon’s over-poaching in the final, but sometimes a super-dominant male strategy works.
    Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026
  • Still, his worst game of the year — a four-interception outing in a Week 10 loss to the Rams — again prompted chatter about his ability to perform in the biggest games.
    Peter Sblendorio, Hartford Courant, 26 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Brag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brag. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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