Synonyms of carry-on

carry-on 1 of 2

noun

ˈker-ē-ˌȯn 

as in suitcase

a bag carried by hand and designed to hold a traveler's clothing and personal articles

the airline allows two carry-ons per person

Synonyms & Similar Words

• suitcase
• wallet
• backpack
• bags
• luggage
• handbag
• carryall
• briefcase
• holdall
• portmanteau
• traveling bag
• grip
• baggage
• kit
• knapsack
• rucksack
• overnight bag
• duffel bag
• carpetbag
• attaché
• valise
• haversack
• kit bag
• weekender
• packsack
• attaché case
• weekend bag
• traveling case
• cosmetic case

carry on

2 of 2

verb

1

as in to act out

to behave badly

a toddler crying and carrying on in the store

Synonyms & Similar Words

• act out
• misconduct
• disobey
• run riot
• raise Cain
• rebel
• act up
• misbehave
• cut up
• horse around
• kid (around)
• show off
• fool around
• clown (around)
• roughhouse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• obey
• act
• conduct
• bear
• quit
• move
• comply
• conform
• contain
• control
• handle
• check
• collect
• acquit
• compose
• comport
• curb
• restrain
• inhibit
• deport
• demean
• quiet
• repress
• constrain

2

as in to persist

to continue despite difficulties, opposition, or discouragement

she bravely carried on despite the loss of her husband

Synonyms & Similar Words

• persist
• hang in there
• persevere
• gut it out
• hang on
• keep up
• follow through (with)
• dig in
• knuckle down

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• give up
• quit
• submit
• knock off
• give in
• yield
• bow
• surrender
• succumb
• hang back
• hesitate
• falter
• waver
• vacillate
• wobble
• shilly-shally

3

as in to operate

to look after and make decisions about

carries on a business and still manages to run the household

Synonyms & Similar Words

• operate
• manage
• supervise
• oversee
• handle
• control
• run
• regulate
• conduct
• govern
• keep
• preside (over)
• watch over
• tend
• direct
• guide
• administer
• protect
• overlook
• care (for)
• administrate
• steward
• superintend
• steer
• watch
• lead
• safeguard
• pilot
• guard
• mind
• codirect
• comanage
• micromanage
• stage-manage

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of carry-on

Noun

If unpacking into hotel drawers isn't your style, the VersaPack+ carry-on spinner keeps everything compartmentalized from departure through arrival. — Lauren Dana Ellman, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026

The airline requires passengers to store their power banks on their person, in the seat pocket or in carry-on luggage stowed under the seat. — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 10 Aug. 2026

Verb

The land carries on the Roosevelt family’s legacy of conservation and environmentalism. — Tori Latham, Robb Report, 17 Aug. 2026

Witherspoon’s canvas tote reminded us of this classic Lands’ End style, which Katie Holmes once carried on a walk in New York City. — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 14 Aug. 2026