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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 ensnare The movie, while fictional, depicted a situation that the United Nations estimates has ensnared hundreds of thousands of people in real life. —

Monica Pitrelli, CNBC, 29 Jan. 2025 And while the Matthews family was still waiting for any sign of progress on the open investigation into Sara’s death, another investigation ensnared an Easton. —

Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 26 Jan. 2025 To further enhance its defenses, potential Russian targets have adopted several unconventional air-defense techniques, including the installation of large nets around critical infrastructure to ensnare incoming drones. —

Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025 Unlike technology companies that work to ensnare (and monetize) our attention, Foreman entrapped our bodies only to liberate our minds. —

Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ensnare

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensnare

Verb

The report also found that Santa Barbara County failed to thoroughly empty the existing basins before the disaster, drastically reducing their capacity to trap debris.

— Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 7 Feb. 2025
For Minnesota, that means cold air masses remain trapped in northern Canada, leading to warmer and drier conditions in the state on average.

— Mohamaed Ibrahim, Twin Cities, 6 Feb. 2025