1
as in newspaper
a publication that appears at regular intervals
the local rag publishes more gossip than news
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2
as in clothing
rags plural
covering for the human body
the girls showed up at the prom wearing their most elegant rags
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as in prank
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke
a collegiate rag that nearly got him sent down from Oxford
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as in to scold
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings
several readers called in to rag the editor for his paper's repeated grammatical lapses
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rag
Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2025
Seal doors and windows with weather strips or rags.
—Dr. Mishal Reja, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2025
Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
Photos provided by Niğde representatives show the mummy with its arms crossed and placed on a bed of sheets and ragged cardboard.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rag
Noun
All of a sudden, a rag tag group of guys that can’t figure out how to do a blood test, now have to save the planet.
—Mike Fleming Jr, Deadline, 8 Apr. 2025
Seal doors and windows with weather strips or rags.
—Dr. Mishal Reja, ABC News, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
Occasionally, the group appeared a touch ragged, but that’s the appeal: The band followed her flow, weaving drama into the songs.
—Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 12 Mar. 2025
Photos provided by Niğde representatives show the mummy with its arms crossed and placed on a bed of sheets and ragged cardboard.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 13 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rag
Verb
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After performing spirited pieces from the Prime Video superhero drama at Deadline’s Sound & Screen: Television event, composers Christopher Lennertz and Matt Bowen were asked if they’ve ever been scolded for going too far with their music.—
Lynette Rice,
Deadline,
8 May 2025
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Similar circumstances were noted at most airports across the country, with media reporting that those without a Real ID have faced little more than a scolding from TSA agents or a reminder to book an appointment soon to get a Star Card.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
7 May 2025
Verb
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In an extraordinary break between the two allies, Trump lectured Zelensky on his weak position in negotiations and in the war.—
James Hansen,
New York Times,
13 Apr. 2025
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This resilience makes Zelensky’s bristling at being lectured by Vance on his nation’s sacrifice and peril easier to understand.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN,
28 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Doctor, who has clearly been keeping tabs on Earth, brings Conrad into the TARDIS to reprimand him for betraying Ruby and using people’s fears and insecurity for his own gain.—
Jennifer Zhan,
Vulture,
3 May 2025
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The vote to reprimand Vaughn was 6-1, with Vaughn in opposition.—
Elizabeth Campbell,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
14 Apr. 2025
Verb
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The agent allegedly blamed Morgan for not saying something during the flight.—
Kathleen Wong,
USA Today,
2 May 2025
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An Ohio man accused of fatally shooting his 15-year-old daughter — then trying to blame his stepson with autism — pleaded guilty on Tuesday, April 29.—
Christine Pelisek,
People.com,
2 May 2025
Verb
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Several Democratic members of Congress criticized her firing.—
Trevor Hughes,
USA Today,
10 May 2025
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As a cardinal, Robert Prevost didn’t hesitate to criticize the Trump administration when necessary.—
Orlando Sentinel Editorial Board,
The Orlando Sentinel,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rag. Accessed 15 May. 2025.
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