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

Although the buildings have gotten taller over the years, the essential tool of the trade — a spud wrench that every ironworker carries on his belt to tighten the bolts that hold the beams together — has not changed in fifty years. — Jeff Goodell, Rolling Stone, 11 Sep. 2026

Athens, the rest of the mainland, and many of the larger islands carry on much as usual. — Matt Ortile, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Sep. 2026