1
as in newspaper
a publication that appears at regular intervals
the local rag publishes more gossip than news
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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
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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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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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of rag
Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2025
All apologies begin In condensation & end in the sweep
Of a bar rag.
—Amy Woolard, The Atlantic, 20 Apr. 2025
Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2025
Using dull pruners can cause rips and ragged cuts to the foliage that will invite disease to enter the bulbs.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rag
Noun
After removing the stain, rinse the rag well with clean water and go over the area several times, rinsing as needed, to remove any detergent residue.
—Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 May 2025
All apologies begin In condensation & end in the sweep
Of a bar rag.
—Amy Woolard, The Atlantic, 20 Apr. 2025
Verb
Overdose deaths, retail theft, and homicides surged to record levels, running law enforcement and first responders ragged.
—Jason Motlagh, Rolling Stone, 27 Apr. 2025
Using dull pruners can cause rips and ragged cuts to the foliage that will invite disease to enter the bulbs.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 9 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for rag
Recent Examples of Synonyms for rag
Verb
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Five months after beating New York Red Bulls for the club’s sixth MLS Cup title, the Galaxy lost the rematch 7-0 in New York — seven-nil — prompting an impromptu team scolding on the field by Vanney after the final whistle.—
Mark Zeigler,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 May 2025
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The moment a golden retriever and his feline friend were scolded by their owner for their behavior during her trip has left people in stitches.—
Alice Gibbs,
MSNBC Newsweek,
21 May 2025
Verb
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These days, nothing infuriates liberals more than to be lectured about the American plutocracy — not when Trump is perhaps the most brazenly corrupt president to hold the office in modern history.—
Alexander Heffner,
Chicago Tribune,
29 May 2025
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Maybe Healey can lecture them on how to sue Trump a hundred times and bankrupt a state on migrant hotel shelters.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
27 May 2025
Verb
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In 2022, he was reprimanded for oxycodone trafficking.—
Armon Sadler,
VIBE.com,
22 May 2025
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The Supreme Court on Monday said Broward County Judge Mardi Levey Cohen will be reprimanded June 3 as part of discipline that also includes a 10-day suspension without pay.—
News Service Of Florida,
Sun Sentinel,
19 May 2025
Verb
-
India blamed Pakistan for the attack, an accusation rejected by Islamabad.—
Billy Stockwell,
CNN Money,
31 May 2025
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Even the players and the manager blamed us, which of course was all nonsense.—
The Athletic FC Podcast,
New York Times,
30 May 2025
Verb
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The achievement was especially sweet for Spurs manager Ange Postecoglou, who has been widely criticized for the club’s Premier League performance this season.—
David Close,
CNN Money,
22 May 2025
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The decision also sparked fierce debate from religious conservatives who criticized one board member’s staunch opposition to introducing prayer.—
Nora O’Neill,
Charlotte Observer,
22 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Rag.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/rag. Accessed 5 Jun. 2025.
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