gag 1 of 2

noun

Definition of gagnext
1
as in joke
something said or done to cause laughter the movie featured a gag involving a chicken driving a car that audiences thought was hysterically funny

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2
as in prank
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke played a gag on their teammate by putting shaving cream in his hat

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gag

2 of 2

verb

ˈgag How to pronounce gag (audio)
1
as in to vomit
to discharge the contents of the stomach through the mouth the terrible smell of rotting fish made me gag

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2
as in to choke
to experience complete or partial blockage of the windpipe took a bite that was too large and began to gag

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to joke
to make jokes the actor typically mugs and gags through his movies, but in his latest vehicle he plays it straight

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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 gag
Noun
The plot is carried out to horrific proportions, but the subjects are so utterly moronic that the gag stops being amusing. — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026 Then the Greatest American Hero theme kicks in, turning his last-second survival into a gag. — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026
Verb
The body of a YouTuber, El Pinky, was found showing signs that he had been gagged and bound. — Kevin Sieff, The Atlantic, 13 Aug. 2026 The important thing to know is that these techniques should only be used if your pet is truly choking – not simply coughing or gagging – and your pet should still be seen by a veterinarian afterward, even if the object is removed. — Cathy M. Rosenthal, Chicago Tribune, 1 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for gag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for gag
  1. joke
  2. prank
  3. vomit
  4. choke
  5. laugh
  6. trick
  7. joking
Noun
  • My friend Jackie Kashian was hired to write jokes for standup, for a comedian who didn’t have the time.
    — Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The whole joke is that Chandler is really bad at posing for photos.
    — Bethy Squires, Vulture, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of joke
Noun
  • Eric André and Schulz were always making jokes and filming prank videos.
    — Brian Davids, HollywoodReporter, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Prosecutors say Canadian visitor Mitchell Fairbarn took Peachy from the Flamingo Las Vegas habitat in a drunk prank and injured the bird; his lawyer says Fairbarn never intended harm.
    — Jessica Hill, Los Angeles Times, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of prank
Verb
  • At some point that night, Ammann vomited black fluid, Frei later testified.
    — D. T. Max, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026
  • On the surface, his new album Antione’s Son is the same old same old—airy melodies, drug talk, vomiting ad-libs—but punched up by suburban ennui and in-the-weeds romantic tales that makes the music feel refreshingly personal.
    — Alphonse Pierre, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of vomit
Verb
  • Finally, Europe needs the ability to retaliate when China or the United States threatens to choke it.
    — Claas Mertens, Foreign Affairs, 19 Oct. 2026
  • But the real culprit is his failing Iran war, which has choked supply from the Middle East.
    — The Week US, TheWeek, 19 Oct. 2026
Definition of choke
Noun
  • White elephant gift exchanges are a holiday party staple, bringing plenty of laughs, a little friendly competition and, of course, the occasional gift-stealing showdown.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 22 Oct. 2026
  • Cohen is so naturally funny and quick with improvisation that there are plenty of laughs along the way.
    — Frank Scheck, HollywoodReporter, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of laugh
Noun
  • Today, our constructor has reached into his evidently limitless bag of tricks to pull out a doozy of a Thursday grid.
    — Sean McGowan, New York Times, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The subtle, but unmistakable, undercurrent of apple sweetness struck me as a bit of a magic trick in a bread that, otherwise, to the eye and hand was just a soft white loaf.
    — Noah Kaufman, Bon Appetit Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of trick
Noun
  • Russell was mentioned in that speech, but in a joking way, playing off of how frequent Oscars director Glenn Weiss, who won for his role helming the 2018 Academy Awards telecast, had used his speech to propose to his then-girlfriend.
    — Hilary Lewis, HollywoodReporter, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Arch Manning's joking comments at a news conference about a fake video of coach Steve Sarkisian slapping ESPN reporter Holly Rowe erupted in controversy.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of joking

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Cite this Entry

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

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