as in clothes
covering for the human body
the girls showed up at the prom wearing their most elegant rags
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
as in scolds
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
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Recent Examples of rags
Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
Even so, staff also rely on cold rags and ice vests for relief.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
This timeless rags-to-riches romance movie captures hearts with its humor, passion and unforgettable fun.
—Caitlin White, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025
There are men who walk around in rags, their genitalia showing.
—Rachel Cusk, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2025
In a video posted last week, Cooper’s camera caught the swish of rags and the hum of voices as a few of her family members and friends worked to get the shop ready for its grand opening.
—Evan Moore
august 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 2025
While the world knows much of Dolly’s rags-to-riches story, the musical delves into parts of Dolly’s life she’s kept private until now.
—Pam Windsor, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
After Baker, who was holding a cellphone and cleaning rags, didn’t turn off the music, Ifonlaja-Randle hit him in the face.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 6 Aug. 2025
Noun
Use clean old towels or rags to ensure the surface gets completely dry.
—Daley Quinn, Southern Living, 7 Sep. 2025
Even so, staff also rely on cold rags and ice vests for relief.
—Ashley Miznazi, Miami Herald, 5 Sep. 2025
This timeless rags-to-riches romance movie captures hearts with its humor, passion and unforgettable fun.
—Caitlin White, Variety, 2 Sep. 2025
There are men who walk around in rags, their genitalia showing.
—Rachel Cusk, New Yorker, 24 Aug. 2025
In a video posted last week, Cooper’s camera caught the swish of rags and the hum of voices as a few of her family members and friends worked to get the shop ready for its grand opening.
—Evan Moore
august 15, Charlotte Observer, 15 Aug. 2025
While the world knows much of Dolly’s rags-to-riches story, the musical delves into parts of Dolly’s life she’s kept private until now.
—Pam Windsor, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
After Baker, who was holding a cellphone and cleaning rags, didn’t turn off the music, Ifonlaja-Randle hit him in the face.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 6 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rags
Verb
-
Woke scolds and anti-woke dolts alike objected to the image of Carpenter kneeling in front of a man who appears to be using her hair as a leash.—
Bethy Squires,
Vulture,
29 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Then, there were some pictures that had great clothing, or a great emotional connection.—
Lisa Deaderick,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Now, thrift stores and clothing markets from Bulgaria to the Czech Republic are groaning with castoffs.—
The Editors,
Robb Report,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Yeanoplos lectures throughout the United States on the topics of valuation, applied finance and financial analysis, has been a faculty member for the AICPA’s National Business Valuation School for close to 25 years and is currently on the faculty of the ABA Family Law Trial Advocacy Institute.—
BySteel Rose,
Forbes.com,
20 Aug. 2025
-
Jon Michaels, a professor of law at UCLA who lectures about national security, said that the documents found in the printer of the Alaskan hotel reveal a lapse in professional judgement in preparation for a high-stakes meeting.—
Chiara Eisner,
NPR,
16 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
The mother of three was styled by Elizabeth Stewart, and Roberts wore Phoebe Philo attire and jewelry by Tiffany & Co.—
Nicholas Rice,
PEOPLE,
8 Sep. 2025
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Suited styling also came into play with Jolie’s attire.—
Julia Teti,
Footwear News,
8 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Maple and Francesca each opted for dresses, with the former donning a semi-sheer black number and the latter choosing a silky brown slip dress matching her father's color palette.—
Anna Kaufman,
USA Today,
10 Sep. 2025
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Another look worn by the YouTuber includes a unique jersey polo mini dress priced at $139 paired with the Good Ease leopard jeans, which retail for $188.—
Ingrid Vasquez,
People.com,
9 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rags.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rags. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
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