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
Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2025
Police also recovered a pink Croc, sizes 2/3 for a left foot with blood on it, bloody rags and a T-shirt with blood on it.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 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
As pope often spoke of playing with a ball made of rags as a young boy growing up in his native Buenos Aires.
—Lisa Gutierrez, Kansas City Star, 21 Apr. 2025
Police also recovered a pink Croc, sizes 2/3 for a left foot with blood on it, bloody rags and a T-shirt with blood on it.
—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 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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We’ve often been lectured by people all over the place about how the United States needs to continue to be a beacon for those who are oppressed abroad.—
Asher Notheis,
The Washington Examiner,
18 May 2025
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Geragos, 67, the criminal defense lawyer known for his roster of celebrity clients, was lectured in a Manhattan federal court this week after making statements about the case on a podcast.—
Tracy Wright,
FOXNews.com,
8 May 2025
Verb
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The justices also reprimanded federal authorities for failing to provide the detainees with more due process under the Alien Enemies Act.—
Jay Weaver,
Miami Herald,
16 May 2025
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One of the central conflicts begins when the cute five-year-old daughter, I-Jing (Nina Ye), is reprimanded by her otherwise aloof grandfather for being left-handed.—
Ritesh Mehta,
IndieWire,
14 May 2025
Verb
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According to Reuters, many locals have blamed the sites for creating an unsustainable rental environment, reducing housing supply and making rent unaffordable for locals.—
Fernando Cervantes Jr,
USA Today,
20 May 2025
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Like with Michaels, HBO initially blamed Pilgrim for the accident, but later settled for £500,000 ($669,000), according to the stunt pro’s barrister.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
19 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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The late pope criticized both laissez-faire capitalism and state-centric socialism, giving shape to a distinctly Catholic vein of economic teaching.—
Nicole Winfield,
Chicago Tribune,
10 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rag. Accessed 22 May. 2025.
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