1
as in newspaper
a publication that appears at regular intervals
the local rag publishes more gossip than news
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
Synonyms & Similar Words
as in prank
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke
a collegiate rag that nearly got him sent down from Oxford
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rag
Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
Wembanyama, who seems to be getting taller and stronger year by year, finished with a season-high 40 points (on 13-of-20 shooting) and 12 rebounds as a rag-tag group of Lakers played 48 minutes of undermanned, undersized basketball in a 136-108 defeat.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 25 Dec. 2025
But now in the gossip rags, his parents are out complaining about it.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rag
Noun
Wipe down your shower head with a damp rag once per week to prevent buildup.
—Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 17 Feb. 2026
Wembanyama, who seems to be getting taller and stronger year by year, finished with a season-high 40 points (on 13-of-20 shooting) and 12 rebounds as a rag-tag group of Lakers played 48 minutes of undermanned, undersized basketball in a 136-108 defeat.
—Benjamin Royer, Oc Register, 11 Feb. 2026
Verb
Paltrow is so compellingly human — which is to say ragged and unpredictable — as a flighty drug addict who befriends an infatuated neighbor (Joaquin Phoenix) while dating a married man (Elias Koteas).
—Matthew Jacobs, Vulture, 25 Dec. 2025
But now in the gossip rags, his parents are out complaining about it.
—Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 2 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rag
Verb
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Porter was initially viewed as having a potential edge in the race, but her prospects dimmed after videos emerged in October of the UC Irvine law professor scolding a reporter and swearing at an aide.—
Seema Mehta,
Los Angeles Times,
19 Feb. 2026
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He is being groomed, playing, testing boundaries and even being scolded which are all part of normal social learning for young macaques.—
Jasmine Baehr,
FOXNews.com,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Some of us have guest lectured in his law school class on the Arkansas Constitution, and his passion for our state's rich heritage is evident.—
Arkansas Online,
Arkansas Online,
16 Feb. 2026
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Katie da Cunha Lewin is a writer based in London, currently lecturing in 20th and 21st-century literature at Coventry University.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
13 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Several told the Herald they were reprimanded for speaking to the media to promote the cultural events being hosted by the center.—
Raisa Habersham,
Miami Herald,
6 Feb. 2026
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Following the meeting, Green was reprimanded by a captain for failing to review the video with the officers.—
Ben Wheeler,
Kansas City Star,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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There will be lawyers and billable hours, and blame tossed around.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
17 Feb. 2026
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Alongside Palasciano, speakers assailed the influx of Indian Americans, from accusing them of snatching the American Dream to criticizing their driving skills and even blaming them for traffic.—
Sarah Bahari,
Dallas Morning News,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Since last fall, the Media Research Center, a right-wing organization that criticizes legacy media outlets, has turned its attention on Apple News’ story selection.—
semafor.com,
semafor.com,
16 Feb. 2026
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While the vote was unanimous, Trustee Jamela Smith-Folds criticized the majority of her colleagues who approved new contracts with two of the district’s labor groups, United Teachers of Richmond and Teamsters Local 856, the union representing custodial staff, cafeteria workers and others.—
Sierra Lopez,
Mercury News,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Rag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rag. Accessed 23 Feb. 2026.
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