zag

1 of 2

noun

ˈzag How to pronounce zag (audio)
Synonyms of zagnext
1
a
: one of the sharp turns, angles, or alterations in a zigzag course
b
: one of the short straight lines or sections of a zigzag course at an angle to a zig
2
: zig sense 2

zag

2 of 2

verb

zagged; zagging

intransitive verb

: to execute a zag
—usually contrasted with zig

Synonyms of zag

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Verb

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Examples of zag in a Sentence

Verb the crowd roared as the clown on the bicycle zagged while the other clowns, in hot pursuit, zigged
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Noun
Quantity makes the conflicts zig and zag. — Christine Smallwood, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026 Yet Wiley’s own path would zig where many expected a zag. — Preezy Brown, VIBE.com, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
That’s why when the yen zigs sharply, markets everywhere tend to zag. — William Pesek, Forbes.com, 25 Feb. 2026 And that would be such a Celtics move, to zig when others expect them to zag. — Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 11 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for zag

Word History

Etymology

Noun

zigzag

First Known Use

Noun

1793, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Verb

1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of zag was in 1793

Rhymes for zag

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Browse Nearby Words

zaftig
zag
Zagazig
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Zag.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zag. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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