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
For the season, his three sacks allowed are tied with seven other guards for third most in the league among guards, behind the Jets’ Joe Tippman (five) and Philadelphia three-time Pro Bowler Landon Dickerson (four), per PFF. Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 28 Oct. 2025 Donegal sweaters made from merino wool from Ireland, herringbone sack suits, plaid cashmere CPO overshirts and pinstripe Oxford shirts complement the graphic Ts, classic hoodies and five-pocket jeans. Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 27 Oct. 2025
Verb
On the flipside, Rodgers didn’t necessarily play poorly, but he did get sacked three times for a loss of 17 yards. Matthew Couden, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025 Young has only been sacked 11 times in seven games. Mike Kaye, Charlotte Observer, 27 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sack
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sack
Noun
  • Or, call on its air pump function, which can be used to remove air from vacuum storage bags, to store off-season clothing in minutes (without having to break out a bulky vacuum).
    Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 24 Oct. 2025
  • The businesswoman accented the look with Dior’s python Saddle bag, which added some intrigue to the neutral outfit.
    Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • The mother had tried to check on her daughter before going to bed, but the daughter's door was locked.
    Nicole Acosta, PEOPLE, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The measure would provide $45 billion to expand ICE’s detention capacity to nearly 100,000 beds, $14 billion for transportation and removal operations and $8 billion to hire 10,000 new deportation officers.
    Adeola Adeosun, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Hiearcool Waterproof Phone Pouches Another one that stays in my zippered compartment is this waterproof phone pouch.
    Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 29 Oct. 2025
  • From there, Harvey accessorized the low-key getup with black oversize cat-eye sunglasses from Saint Laurent and Bottega Veneta’s black mini pouch.
    Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 29 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Shailene Woodley is upstairs from Animal Haven, a pet shelter tucked just off Canal Street in downtown Manhattan, curled into a couch on a quiet fall morning.
    Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 28 Oct. 2025
  • The deluxe cabins are slightly smaller, but ingenious, with sofabeds and stools that pull double duty as couches and coffee tables.
    Antonia Mortensen, CNN Money, 28 Oct. 2025
Noun
  • Taylor River Lodge includes two main residences, both with king suites, bunk rooms, and comfortable spaces for relaxing and entertaining.
    Tori Latham, Robb Report, 29 Oct. 2025
  • But if the thought of freezing cold isolation and bunk pods sounds more like punishment than adventure, Mongolia’s Gobi already offers glimpses of the otherworldly in a far more comfortable setting.
    Rosanna Philpott, CNN Money, 24 Oct. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Sack.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sack. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on sack

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