BAG Synonyms: 214 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'bag' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bag are capture , catch , ensnare , entrap , snare , and trap . While all these words mean "to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing," bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey. // bagged a brace of pheasants

Q: Where would 'capture' be a reasonable alternative to 'bag'?

The words capture and bag can be used in similar contexts, but capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty. // capture an enemy stronghold

Q: When is it sensible to use 'catch' instead of 'bag'?

While in some cases nearly identical to bag , catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding. // caught the dog as it ran by

Q: How do 'entrap' and 'ensnare' relate to one another, in the sense of 'bag'?

Both entrap and ensnare more often are figurative. // entrapped the witness with a trick question // a sting operation that ensnared burglars

Q: How is 'trap' related to other words for 'bag'?

Trap , snare , entrap , and ensnare imply seizing by some device that holds the one caught at the mercy of the captor. Trap and snare apply more commonly to physical seizing. // trap animals // snared butterflies with a net

bag 1 of 2

noun

ˈbag

Definition of bag

as in pouch

a container made of a flexible material (as paper or plastic) she carries her towel and other supplies to the beach in a bright, colorful bag slung over her arm

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as in purse

a container for carrying money and small personal items she keeps her keys, phone, and wallet each in separate compartments in her bag so that she always knows where they are

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bag

2 of 2

verb

as in to protrude

to extend outward beyond a usual point the shirt bagged at the waist

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to grab

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly bagged a deer while hunting last weekend

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to leave

to give up (a job or office) if the supervisor says one more nasty thing to me, I'm going to bag this stupid job

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to win

to obtain (as a goal) through effort bagged a full fellowship at one of the nation's leading universities

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to earn

to receive as return for effort bagged an acting nomination for a truly inspired performance

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb bag contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of bag are capture, catch, ensnare, entrap, snare, and trap. While all these words mean "to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing," bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

Where would capture be a reasonable alternative to bag?

The words capture and bag can be used in similar contexts, but capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

When is it sensible to use catch instead of bag?

While in some cases nearly identical to bag, catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding.

caught the dog as it ran by

How do entrap and ensnare relate to one another, in the sense of bag?

Both entrap and ensnare more often are figurative.

entrapped the witness with a trick question

a sting operation that ensnared burglars

How is trap related to other words for bag?

Trap, snare, entrap, and ensnare imply seizing by some device that holds the one caught at the mercy of the captor. Trap and snare apply more commonly to physical seizing.

trap animals

snared butterflies with a net

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 bag

Noun

Coach’s coffee shop offers a variety of merchandise like tote bags, bag charms, hats, pins, drinkware and more that range from $15 to $175. — Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 20 Oct. 2026 In practice, that’s resulted in an evolving wealth of SKUs across bags, footwear, and ready-to-wear, comprising new releases and updates on brand heroes. — Joe Bobowicz, Vogue, 20 Oct. 2026

Verb

Niklas Nørgaard, who bagged an eagle at the first hole, held the clubhouse lead on six-under, though only about half of the field had completed the round and 12 players hadn't even started. — ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026 By noon of the second day, the 23 hunters on the spread had bagged 46 deer, a score hard to match. — Erwin A. Bauer, Outdoor Life, 14 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bag

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag

Noun

Although Irwin has not yet left the pouch completely, he can still be seen exploring outside near his mom, the KC Zoo said.

— Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 24 Oct. 2026
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, nicotine pouches contain nicotine, flavorings and other ingredients, with nicotine absorbed through the gums and lining of the mouth.

— Stephanie Giang-Paunon, FOXNews.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of pouch

Noun

Police said the individuals approached diners and placed flyers or newspapers over their wallets, purses or cellphones while engaging them in conversation.

— Peter Burke, FOXNews.com, 23 Oct. 2026
But the strength of the category led analysts to worry that the company might be too dependent on the continuing appetite for purses.

— Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of purse

Verb

Once fished to the brink of extinction globally, sand tiger sharks, that iconic aquarium shark with a jaw of protruding, jagged teeth that only a mother could love, have been increasing in the Boston Harbor over the last decade.

— Asia London Palomba, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Oct. 2026
The face is a glossy black plastic with the exterior lenses slightly protruding, keeping the front from looking like a single flat surface.

— Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of protrude

Verb

Finally, grab 32% off the Eufy E340 Security Video Doorbell with Chime, providing dual 2K cameras and color night vision.

— Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 26 Oct. 2026
James scored 18 points, grabbed two rebounds and was a minus-22 going up against Paul Reed, and the 76ers were left to hope his presence at center was nothing more than a cameo.

— Dan Gelston, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of grab

Verb

One flight last week leaving from al-Qassim airport north of Riyadh to Geneva, sold for €94,000 ($105,000), compared with a price of about €60,000 ($67,000) before the closure of the main airport in Riyadh.

— Melissa Hancock, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2026
This serving tray combines natural rattan with an elevated floral pattern filled with roses and autumn leaves atop a stainless steel base.

— Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of leave

Verb

But Ben-Gvir and his allies hope to win enough seats to force Netanyahu to accommodate their demands or risk losing power.

— Eric Cortellessa, Time, 22 Oct. 2026
Election Day nears The stakes are high as the race Marshall was supposed to win handily is now neck-and-neck, according to recent polling.

— Kacen Bayless, Kansas City Star, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of win

Verb

The New York Red Bulls took advantage of an early own goal, added an Emil Forsberg score in second-half stoppage time and capitalized on a limited appearance by Lionel Messi to earn a crucial 2-0 victory over Inter Miami on Saturday.

— Miami Herald, Miami Herald, 24 Oct. 2026
Prior to working in Hollywood, Atchity served as an assistant professor of English and comparative literature at Occidental College before earning tenure and becoming a full-time professor.

— Tanya Fedak, Variety, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of earn

Noun

The Badgers have just eight sacks as a defense this season, but boast one of the best pass rushers in the Big Ten, senior Sebastian Cheeks.

— Ryan Kartje, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
The pass rush has been functional, registering 22 sacks, good for top eight in the country.

— Noah White, Miami Herald, 23 Oct. 2026

Definition of sack

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of bag

noun

verb

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Synonyms of bag

noun

verb

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Phrases Containing bag

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