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

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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

There were some surprises in the rankings, too, with the Fendi Spy bag seeing a 127 percent spike in average resale value amid this year’s Y2K revival. — Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 14 Oct. 2026 That same day, OpenAI security found another recording device inside an unattended bag belonging to Alfozan, alongside his identification and wallet, prosecutors said. — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 13 Oct. 2026

Verb

Beabadoobee bags her first chart crown in Australia as Pylon (via Dirty Hit/Inertia) debuts in the top spot. — Lars Brandle, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026 Country music star Sam Barber bagged an incredible caribou on a recent hunting trip. — David Hookstead Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for bag

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag

Noun

Other eco-amenities include all-natural insect repellent and sunscreen in refillable containers, plus a handy pouch with a reusable straw and cutlery to bring along during day trips.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026
In addition to expanding its successful and highly Instagrammed Le Cambon family with new sizes and pouches reprising its belted construction, the founders debuted the Duo style.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of pouch

Verb

In more advanced cases, tissue may protrude through the vaginal opening.

— Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 6 Oct. 2026
The semiaquatic predator’s eyes would have also protruded from the skull, similar to the Indian gharial, because the eye sockets were raised like a telescope, Burke added.

— Taylor Nicioli, CNN Money, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of protrude

Verb

Ditto for the reinterpretation of thong sandals that grabbed attention at Givenchy and Jean Paul Gaultier, or the clear vinyl-like styles seen at Balenciaga, Chloé, Simone Rocha, Stella McCartney and Moschino, among others.

— Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 13 Oct. 2026
Mel Ismail, a 56-year-old father, was rescued by another surfer who just happened to show up at the beach and was willing to risk his own life by grabbing his board and heading towards the bloody water.

— Sean Joseph OutKick, FOXNews.com, 12 Oct. 2026

Definition of grab

Verb

Jim Woolery was a dealmaker at the white-shoe law firm Cravath before leaving to run M&A at JPMorgan.

— Ellen DiMauro, semafor.com, 7 Oct. 2026
If a client’s business looks the same six months after an engagement ends, or if the gains fade the moment the vendor leaves, that was delivery.

— Vikas Verma, Forbes.com, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of leave

Verb

Elephants in the Fog competed in the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival this year, winning the Jury Prize.

— Stewart Clarke, Deadline, 8 Oct. 2026
Award-winning chef Kai Mueller has created a large and unusual menu that leans into the location, with a much healthier twist (all dishes that are safe to have on the detox programme are clearly marked).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 8 Oct. 2026

Definition of win

Verb

The 54-year-old, who reportedly earned a $16 million salary in 2025, launched his own YouTube channel last week, showing off the sprawling virtual city.

— Preston Fore, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
But the respect the band had earned from the country firmament felt, at best, grudging.

— Shaad D’Souza, Pitchfork, 11 Oct. 2026

Definition of earn

Noun

Edge rusher Byron Young had 2½ sacks, and linemen Kobie Turner, Braden Fiske and Poona Ford were among those who helped the defense make multiple key stops.

— Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 10 Oct. 2026
The Bulldogs' next two plays were an incomplete pass and a five-yard loss on a sack.

— Jack Leo, AJC.com, 9 Oct. 2026

Definition of sack

Cite this Entry

Style

“Bag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bag. Accessed 14 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of bag

noun

verb

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Synonyms of bag

noun

verb

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