gag 1 of 2

noun

Definition of gagnext
1
as in joke
something said or done to cause laughter the movie featured a gag involving a chicken driving a car that audiences thought was hysterically funny

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2
as in prank
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke played a gag on their teammate by putting shaving cream in his hat

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gag

2 of 2

verb

ˈgag How to pronounce gag (audio)
1
as in to vomit
to discharge the contents of the stomach through the mouth the terrible smell of rotting fish made me gag

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2
as in to choke
to experience complete or partial blockage of the windpipe took a bite that was too large and began to gag

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to joke
to make jokes the actor typically mugs and gags through his movies, but in his latest vehicle he plays it straight

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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 gag
Noun
The plot is carried out to horrific proportions, but the subjects are so utterly moronic that the gag stops being amusing. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026 Then the Greatest American Hero theme kicks in, turning his last-second survival into a gag. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
The body of a YouTuber, El Pinky, was found showing signs that he had been gagged and bound. — Kevin Sieff, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026 The important thing to know is that these techniques should only be used if your pet is truly choking – not simply coughing or gagging – and your pet should still be seen by a veterinarian afterward, even if the object is removed. — Cathy M. Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gag
  1. joke
  2. prank
  3. vomit
  4. choke
  5. laugh
  6. trick
  7. joking
Noun
  • The chain, which has over 200 locations in the United States, was recently caught in a culture war against its will, sparked by a joke from former President Barack Obama on its aesthetic.
    — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 1 Nov. 2026
  • Later on during Weekend Update, Michael Che made a joke about Israel that made Jost jokingly grimace.
    — Marlow Stern, Variety, 1 Nov. 2026
Definition of joke
Noun
  • The old cemetery was an appropriate location for the familial prank.
    — Joseph States, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2026
  • But after Paisley’s generous words, Swift remembered a prank that Paisley pulled on her nearly 20 years ago.
    — Alejandra Gularte, Vulture, 27 Oct. 2026
Definition of prank
Verb
  • At some point that night, Ammann vomited black fluid, Frei later testified.
    — D. T. Max, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
  • On the surface, his new album Antione’s Son is the same old same old—airy melodies, drug talk, vomiting ad-libs—but punched up by suburban ennui and in-the-weeds romantic tales that makes the music feel refreshingly personal.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of vomit
Verb
  • The woman denied the allegations, and Ross hit her in the chest several times and choked her, the report says, restricting her breathing by twisting the collar of her hoodie.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026
  • Berry was successful in getting the court to dissolve the domestic violence restraining order issued against her after she was accused of choking her son.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of choke
Noun
  • What really sets Black Doves apart, though, are its lovable characters and its beguiling mix of laughs and tears, which flirt with existential despair without ever fully tipping into it.
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The two also shared a laugh over Lewis’ first impressions of the twins.
    — Angelique Brenes, PEOPLE, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of laugh
Noun
  • Even at the album’s more sedate tempos, gyrofield still delivers the manic intensity that marks their best work, building luscious tension with an arsenal of top-shelf production tricks.
    — Lisle Younger, Pitchfork, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Trader Joe’s focaccia, sliced and toasted, will do the trick, or their ciabatta, sliced into small squares.
    — Alex Beggs, Bon Appetit Magazine, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • As the audience applauded, Stewart launched into his joking eulogy.
    — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Russell was mentioned in that speech, but in a joking way, playing off of how frequent Oscars director Glenn Weiss, who won for his role helming the 2018 Academy Awards telecast, had used his speech to propose to his then-girlfriend.
    — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
Definition of joking

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Gag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/gag. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

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