brag 1 of 3

brag

2 of 3

noun

brag

3 of 3

verb

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
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 retelling is less of a brag and more of Morris simply being excited about the experience. Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 13 Apr. 2024 Folks in it share photos and videos of themselves at games and offer brag posts. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 19 Jan. 2024
Verb
To promote the show, Variety posted a podcast on which Clooney boasted about his risk-taking photo ops in Sudan, bragging about his own activist journalism to Broadway’s leftist virago Patti Lupone. Armond White, National Review, 30 Apr. 2025 Saturday's bout isn't just about bragging rights—there's legacy at stake. Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 26 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for brag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for brag
Adjective
  • Colombia’s coastal cities are famous for their cuisine, but don’t overlook their wonderful street foods.
    Cat Sposato, AFAR Media, 15 May 2025
  • Its deep, shiny green foliage is a wonderful complement to the perfectly peachy hue of each rose.
    Sophia Beams, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • In her public rhetoric, mostly on social media and right-wing media appearances, Lake has veered between promising to restore the networks to their historic mission and pledging to demolish them.
    David Folkenflik, NPR, 22 May 2025
  • While some may view these new statements as a step toward accountability, others remain skeptical, citing the depth and repeated nature of his past rhetoric.
    Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 22 May 2025
Verb
  • The Oilers were built to win, and the right-wing depth chart boasted several veterans (Zach Hyman, Viktor Arvidsson, Connor Brown and Corey Perry) who were guaranteed roster spots and playing time.
    Allan Mitchell, New York Times, 18 May 2025
  • The festival boasts stunning artisan ice creams, moreish fudge, chunky flapjack and macarons for those with a sweet tooth, plus delicious drink brands with unique flavorings.
    Roger Sands, Forbes.com, 18 May 2025
Adjective
  • Shark can't escape trio of fish in 'awesome' underwater chase A remarkable scene unfolded in Florida waters as three fish began chasing a shark, which appeared to be pretty bothered by their attention.
    Ashley J. DiMella, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2025
  • The settler spirit, much derided now, represented an awesome ability.
    Andrew Moore, New York Times, 15 May 2025
Noun
  • Latto popped up first on the track, bringing some braggadocios bars before G Herbo jumped in with his rambunctious energy.
    Mackenzie Cummings-Grady, Billboard, 30 Apr. 2025
  • Taylor-Johnson and Gosling have a lot of fun with Tom’s braggadocio and Colt’s deadpan replies when the star actor and his stunt double finally face off.
    Roxana Hadadi, Vulture, 7 May 2024
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
  • In fact, 89% of C-suite marketers recognize that employees can bring great value to their businesses as influencers.
    Sarah Goodall, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025
  • Even in Paris, this would make a great evening bag and match practically any outfit.
    Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 20 May 2025
Noun
  • Much of the chatter leading up to the series has centered around the reception Soto will receive from the Yankees faithful.
    Chantz Martin, FOXNews.com, 16 May 2025
  • The lounges sway to their usual rhythm of excited chatter, clinking glasses and former players recalling their eras.
    Greg O'Keeffe, New York Times, 14 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Brag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/brag. Accessed 27 May. 2025.

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