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

For now, the team hopes to work with scientists designing lunar science instruments to physically fit into RoboBall’s carry-on luggage-sized interior, while also fitting in with how RoboBall operates. — IEEE Spectrum, 3 Sep. 2026

Shoes have a reputation for being clunky and not ideal for packing, but these lightweight, flexible flats can be stashed in a carry-on or weekender bag with no trouble. — Kaitlin Gates, Travel + Leisure, 2 Sep. 2026

Verb

Heated Rivalry is the story of two NHL players who carry on a torrid gay love affair from the closet. — Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026

The acquisition also puts Lewis in the somewhat unusual position of carrying on the businesses of two veteran New York printmakers who helped shape his career. — Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 17 Sep. 2026