drag
11 synonyms and 3 antonyms for drag, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To pull something heavy along a surface, often with effort.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use drag
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English dragan and Old Norse draga, both meaning "to draw or pull," from a common Proto-Germanic root.
Full origin of drag →Frequently asked questions
What does “drag” mean?
The word “drag” means to pull something heavy along a surface, often with effort. In plain terms, to pull something with effort, or (as a noun) something boring, a resisting force, or performance clothing worn across gender lines.
How do you pronounce “drag”?
“Drag” is pronounced drag (/dɹæɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “drag” in a sentence?
Here is “drag” used in a sentence: “They dragged the sofa across the room.”
What is another word for “drag”?
Words with a similar meaning to “drag” include draw, hale, lug, tug and schlep.
What is the opposite of “drag”?
The opposite of “drag” — its antonyms — are leave, push and rest.
What part of speech is “drag”?
Depending on how it is used, “drag” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “drag” come from?
The word “drag” comes from Old English. From Old English dragan and Old Norse draga, both meaning "to draw or pull," from a common Proto-Germanic root.
Is “drag” a common word?
“Drag” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between 'drag' and 'pull'?
Both mean to move something toward you, but 'drag' specifically means to pull something heavy along a surface, usually with effort and friction. You can pull a light door open, but you drag a heavy box across the floor.
Is the past tense of 'drag' 'dragged' or 'drug'?
The standard past tense of 'drag' is 'dragged,' as in 'she dragged the chair over.' 'Drug' is a nonstandard dialect form heard in some regions but avoided in careful and formal writing.
What is the difference between 'drag' and 'lug'?
Both involve moving something heavy, but 'drag' means pulling it along a surface, while 'lug' means carrying or hauling it, often lifted off the ground. You drag a sack across the yard but lug it up the stairs.