ENSNARE Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'ensnare' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ensnare are bag , capture , catch , entrap , snare , and trap . While all these words mean "to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing," trap , snare , entrap , 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

Q: When can 'bag' be used instead of 'ensnare'?

While in some cases nearly identical to ensnare , bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey. // bagged a brace of pheasants

Q: When is it sensible to use 'capture' instead of 'ensnare'?

In some situations, the words capture and ensnare are roughly equivalent. However, capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty. // capture an enemy stronghold

Q: When could 'catch' be used to replace 'ensnare'?

Although the words catch and ensnare have much in common, catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding. // caught the dog as it ran by

Q: How are the words 'entrap' and 'ensnare' related?

Both entrap and ensnare more often are figurative. // entrapped the witness with a trick question // a sting operation that ensnared burglars

ensnare

verb

in-ˈsner

Definition of ensnare next

as in to trap

to catch or hold as if in a net parked just out of view, the state trooper was lying in wait to ensnare unwary speeders

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How does the verb ensnare contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of ensnare are bag, capture, catch, entrap, snare, and trap. While all these words mean "to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing," trap, snare, entrap, 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

When can bag be used instead of ensnare?

While in some cases nearly identical to ensnare, bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

When is it sensible to use capture instead of ensnare?

In some situations, the words capture and ensnare are roughly equivalent. However, capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

When could catch be used to replace ensnare?

Although the words catch and ensnare have much in common, catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding.

caught the dog as it ran by

How are the words entrap and ensnare related?

Both entrap and ensnare more often are figurative.

entrapped the witness with a trick question

a sting operation that ensnared burglars

Examples of ensnare in a Sentence

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Recent Examples on the Web At the time, some argued additional officers could help deter violent attacks on vulnerable campuses, while others expressed concern that stationing police in schools would unnecessarily ensnare students in the criminal justice system. —

Richard Chumney, Connecticut Post, 29 Sep. 2024 Another top aide to New York City Mayor Eric Adams became ensnared Friday in the corruption investigations plaguing the administration. —

Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 27 Sep. 2024 The young Tomás is ensnared in the network, while new ombudswoman Catalina Pestana battles to reform the shattered institution, igniting a gripping fight for justice. —

Annika Pham, Variety, 26 Sep. 2024 The move comes as the Biden Administration’s broader student relief efforts remain ensnared in legal challenges. —

Solcyré Burga, TIME, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ensnare

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensnare

Verb

The View cohost and Oscar-winning actress delivered a vital message of information to Americans heading to the polls on Tuesday morning, capping a historic political cycle with a pearl of wisdom for those trapped in long lines at their local voting places.

EW.com, EW.com, 5 Nov. 2024
It is feared that inside some of the vehicles that were washed away or trapped in underground garages there could be bodies waiting to be recovered.

Hernán Muñoz and Joseph Wilson, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024