snag
7 synonyms for snag, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An unexpected problem or obstacle.
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.
hang-up
How to use snag
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
hit a snag
snag a bargain
snag your tights
Etymology
From an earlier sense meaning a stump or sharp projecting branch, borrowed from Old Norse snagi ("clothes peg"), later extended to any sharp obstacle.
Full origin of snag →Frequently asked questions
What does “snag” mean?
The word “snag” means an unexpected problem or obstacle. In plain terms, a small but annoying problem, or a small tear from something catching — also used casually to mean "grab" or "get.".
How do you pronounce “snag”?
“Snag” is pronounced snag (/snæɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “snag” in a sentence?
Here is “snag” used in a sentence: “We hit a snag with the visa application.”
What part of speech is “snag”?
Depending on how it is used, “snag” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “snag” come from?
The word “snag” comes from Old Norse. From an earlier sense meaning a stump or sharp projecting branch, borrowed from Old Norse snagi ("clothes peg"), later extended to any sharp obstacle.
Is “snag” a common word?
“Snag” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “snag” have?
“Snag” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: an unexpected problem or obstacle.
