rag 1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈrag How to pronounce rag (audio)
Definition of ragnext
1
as in newspaper
a publication that appears at regular intervals the local rag publishes more gossip than news

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in clothing
rags plural covering for the human body the girls showed up at the prom wearing their most elegant rags

Synonyms & Similar Words

rag

2 of 3

noun (2)

chiefly British
as in prank
a playful or mischievous act intended as a joke a collegiate rag that nearly got him sent down from Oxford

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rag

3 of 3

verb

as in to scold
to criticize (someone) severely or angrily especially for personal failings several readers called in to rag the editor for his paper's repeated grammatical lapses

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 rag
Noun
Although invisible, the bacteria from your cleaning rag (for instance) can easily transfer to other surfaces, even after rinsing. — Louise Parks, Martha Stewart, 20 Aug. 2026 Vacuum diatomaceous earth with a shop vac instead of your regular vacuum, or wipe up the substance with a damp rag. — Kate Van Pelt, The Spruce, 19 Aug. 2026
Verb
The city in the book is a strange hodgepodge of affluence and poverty, of shiny new shops and ragged old ruins. — Becca Rothfeld, New Yorker, 27 Apr. 2026 If the edges look ragged with tan or white tips, your mower blade is at fault. — Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for rag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rag
  1. newspaper
  2. clothing
  3. prank
  4. scold
  5. periodical
  6. threads
  7. trick
  8. lecture
Noun
  • The character was based on Candace Bushnell and her own newspaper column and 1996 book anthology, both also named Sex and the City.
    — Victoria Edel, PEOPLE, 31 Aug. 2026
  • Gamblers would bet on the fates of prisoners awaiting execution and of prominent people whose illnesses were reported on in the newspaper.
    — Michael Santoli, CNBC, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of newspaper
Noun
  • Other secret variants included simplified, unsharpened ones to be dropped to resistance fighters that would hide their origin, as well as special small versions or ones with rings in the handle so they could be sewn into clothing or boots.
    — David Szondy August 30, New Atlas, 30 Aug. 2026
  • Few people want to invest in pricier clothing, bespoke interior design services, or luxury furnishings without ever talking with a live person.
    — John Hall, Forbes.com, 30 Aug. 2026
Definition of clothing
Noun
  • Jons, as demonstrated by her number of followers, has enjoyed success through her prank videos, and has also appeared on TV and attended various fashion shows.
    — Chris Marshall-Bell, New York Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • This has led to fans of the show to ruminate on how the team will set up another elaborate prank.
    — Peter White, Deadline, 21 Aug. 2026
Definition of prank
Verb
  • Historically, the United States has sent mixed messages to Europeans, encouraging them to step up but then scolding them for seeking autonomy.
    — JENNIFER KAVANAGH, Foreign Affairs, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In fact, during testing, the handheld triggered nostalgic memories of playing Final Fantasy Legend and Mario Land 2 on long car rides to my grandparents' house, but without the eye strain and being scolded for playing in the dark as the sun set.
    — Will Greenwald, PC Magazine, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of scold
Noun
  • People who might be lucky to have a roof over their heads gathered there to read American books and periodicals, watch American movies, listen to lectures about America, tap their toes to jazz from America.
    — Ian Buruma, New Yorker, 10 Aug. 2026
  • It is anticipated that all IEEE periodicals will be included in the Integrity Hub screening by the end of this year.
    — IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 30 July 2026
Definition of periodical
Noun
  • But Allen has also used his talent to explore the timeless connective cultural threads of Black American history.
    — AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 29 Aug. 2026
  • On top of this, season 2 jumps around in time quite a bit, further putting a strain on your ability to follow narrative threads.
    — Andrew Webster, The Verge, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of threads
Noun
  • Treister had a smart sense of humor, often performing magic tricks for anyone who would come over to his home, his family said.
    — Lauren Costantino, Miami Herald, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Layered background sighs, a resonant lead vocal, autumnal acoustic guitar flickers, synths both eerie and trippy—James has all his tricks on tap.
    — Ryan Leas, Pitchfork, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of trick
Verb
  • Luann patiently attempts to explain that the women don’t like being lectured to about their business affairs, only for Vicki to abruptly answer a phone call mid-conversation.
    — Shamira Ibrahim, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026
  • Robert Pozen, who lectures at MIT Sloan School of Management and was formerly president of Fidelity Investments, has an answer to the obvious question about who inspects this.
    — Dara-Abasi Ita, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2026
Definition of lecture

Phrases Containing rag

Browse Nearby Words

rafts
rag
ragamuffin
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Cite this Entry

“Rag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rag. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on rag

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about rag

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