brag 1 of 3

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
This explains Trump’s obsessive bragging about his brilliance and big hands, his weird belittling of the attractiveness of opponents’ wives, his admiration for oh-so-macho Elon Musk. Joan C. Williams june 13, Literary Hub, 13 June 2025 Rimmed by ancient cypress swamps, Wakulla Springs has bragging rights to a cinematic past. Angela Caraway-Carlton, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025
Adjective
This will also give you a brag bank to pull from when the interviewer asks you to articulate your strengths. Dominique Law, Forbes, 10 Nov. 2021 The Wild Insulated Water Bottle Allow us to humble-brag about The Wild water bottle with the cool logo of the L.A. Times newsletter about the outdoors in Southern California. Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2021
Noun
The humble brag is a new shiny toy for some people. Lance Eliot, Forbes, 5 Dec. 2024 The brag quickly caught the attention of Swift fans across social media, who rushed to attack Spector while defending Swift. Jackson Thompson, Fox News, 19 Nov. 2024 See All Example Sentences for brag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brag
Verb
  • The deal would be financial feasible for the Phillies, despite them already boasting the fourth-highest payroll in MLB.
    Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 23 June 2025
  • So far the strategy is working: Harvey boasts 337 legal clients.
    Alexandra Sternlicht, Fortune, 23 June 2025
Adjective
  • It is filled with many wonderful surprises discoverable to the 200,000-plus visitors who come during the busiest time (November to July) and escapade around its hilly terrain in the signature island vehicle, the mini Moke.
    Melinda Sheckells, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025
  • Steve was a wonderful antidote to Miranda, and Joy is a wonderful antidote in a very different way.
    Daniel D'Addario, Variety, 20 June 2025
Noun
  • In the absence of evidence, Trump always rushes in with rhetoric.
    Chris Brennan, USA Today, 27 June 2025
  • In recent years, many of Ye’s public outbursts have had antisemitic rhetoric.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 27 June 2025
Adjective
  • Your bold decision to target Iran's nuclear facilities with the awesome and righteous might of the United States will change history.
    CBS News, CBS News, 22 June 2025
  • The whole thing is sprawling, wild, fun, overwhelming, and awesome.
    Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 19 June 2025
Noun
  • Ditto his distinctive appearance, trumped only by a persuasive smile that conveyed an innocence and friendliness somewhat at odds with his braggadocio tales and hedonistic tendencies.
    Bob Gendron, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
  • The news was an opportunity for Gov. Gavin Newsom to exercise his penchant for braggadocio.
    Dan Walters, Mercury News, 9 May 2025
Noun
  • When a person lacks humility, the deficiency will show up as being a braggart and disrespectful.
    Mary Crossan, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025
  • He’s swept away in a sea of raves MILAN — Giorgio Armani is not a very good braggart.
    Tonya Blazio-Licorish, WWD, 17 Oct. 2024
Adjective
  • That could mean even greater affordability for smaller businesses adopting AI for their businesses.
    Bernice Ooi, CNBC, 26 June 2025
  • That was the name of one of my great friends growing up in Brooklyn.
    Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 25 June 2025
Noun
  • Based on all the chatter coming out of camp, Wilson already seems to be having a positive influence on the Giants.
    Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 20 June 2025
  • There was a lot of chatter about the government replenishing local government consumer subsidy funds after strong demand, which led to depletion in several cities.
    Brendan Ahern, Forbes.com, 20 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Brag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brag. Accessed 4 Jul. 2025.

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