BAG Synonyms: 211 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 next

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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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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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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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as in to earn

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

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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

Oh look, here comes Jesse Palmer with the big news: Pack your bags, ladies! —

Kristen Baldwin, EW.com, 18 Feb. 2025 Chelsea also pairs a parrot-print vintage-looking Loewe wrap skirt with a throwback Blondie T-shirt, and carries JW Anderson and Louis Vuitton bags. —

Fawnia Soo Hoo, Vogue, 17 Feb. 2025

Verb

Musk’s early head start bagged him an advisory role alongside the incoming administration. —

Jess Weatherbed, The Verge, 16 Jan. 2025 Done in rich indigo stretch denim, Le Crop Mini Boot contours your curves and won’t bag out with wear. —

Flaviar, refinery29.com, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for bag

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bag

Noun

The remaining space in my pouch is left for a travel vial of Diptyque perfume (Eau Rose is my current favorite), my favorite Poppy Lissiman shades, and something for immunity.

— Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 6 Feb. 2025
Newsletter Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news From jumping kangaroos to sleepy koalas to sturdy wombats, Australia is full of a variety of marsupials — animals that carry their premature young in a skin pouch until they are fully developed.

— Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 6 Feb. 2025