sack 1 of 3

sack

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verb (1)

sack

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verb (2)

as in to plunder
to search through with the intent of committing robbery thieves sacked the house in search of the diamond necklace

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb sack contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of sack are despoil, devastate, pillage, ravage, and waste. While all these words mean "to lay waste by plundering or destroying," sack implies carrying off all valuable possessions from a place.

barbarians sacked ancient Rome

Where would despoil be a reasonable alternative to sack?

The synonyms despoil and sack are sometimes interchangeable, but despoil applies to looting or robbing without suggesting accompanying destruction.

the Nazis despoiled the art museums

When could devastate be used to replace sack?

The words devastate and sack can be used in similar contexts, but devastate implies the complete ruin and desolation of a wide area.

an earthquake devastated the city

How are the words pillage and sack related?

Pillage implies ruthless plundering at will but without the completeness suggested by sack.

settlements pillaged by Vikings

When can ravage be used instead of sack?

While the synonyms ravage and sack are close in meaning, ravage implies violent often cumulative depredation and destruction.

a hurricane ravaged the coast

When might waste be a better fit than sack?

While in some cases nearly identical to sack, waste may imply producing the same result by a slow process rather than sudden and violent action.

years of drought had wasted the area

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 sack
Noun
Had a defense force 2 turnovers and get 3 sacks. Evan Massey, MSNBC Newsweek, 6 Oct. 2025 The Broncos have 11 sacks through four games this season, so their average of 2.75 per game is tied for 28th in the nation. Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
Tua Tagovailoa was sacked three times, two of which was given up by starting rookie left guard Jonah Savaiinaea, and occasionally moved off his spot by pressure. Omar Kelly updated October 5, Miami Herald, 5 Oct. 2025 Justin Fields had two touchdown passes and was sacked five times. Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 5 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sack
Noun
  • Grocery bags used to store food in refrigerator/freezer.
    Gege Reed, Louisville Courier Journal, 3 Oct. 2025
  • As Jewish people enter synagogues across the country for Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, many will be greeted by metal detectors, bag check procedures and armed security guards.
    Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 2 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Each bedroom is big enough to hold at least a full-size bed, if not larger, and there’s room to add some type of storage—a must-have for families who want to go tiny.
    Katrina Cossey, Parents, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The accommodations offer resort, coastline, or ocean views; king or double queen beds; balconies or ground-level patios; and optional Club level.
    Patricia Doherty, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Felipe Varela Duffle Bag Water-resistant and weighing just one pound, this 40-liter duffle can be easily folded into a portable pouch when not in use.
    Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2025
  • The crossbody strap keeps her hands free, and the pouch fits easily into a larger bag when needed.
    Nora Colomer may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Pop on the pet power brush for tackling smaller surface areas prone to pet hair build up, like couches, armchairs, pet beds, and carpeted stairs.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2025
  • Made with stylish chenille fabric, the cover won’t compromise the coziness of your couch.
    Christopher Murray may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom., FOXNews.com, 7 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Besides the standard touring equipment (avalanche beacon, shovel, probe), visitors need to carry little more than a sleeping bag and a toothbrush, since dormitory-style bunks and hearty meals are provided.
    Scott Yorko, Travel + Leisure, 4 Oct. 2025
  • Adair, still in handcuffs, is then picked up from the wheelchair by several deputies and placed on his stomach on the bottom bunk in his cell, the KBI said.
    Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 3 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sack. Accessed 10 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sack

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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