Synonyms of entrap

entrap

verb

in-ˈtrap 

as in to trap

to catch or hold as if in a net

a string of inconsistent statements and outright lies that finally entrapped the witness

Synonyms & Similar Words

• trap
• tangle
• ensnare
• enmesh
• entangle
• mesh
• snare
• involve
• capture
• net
• catch up
• immesh
• implicate
• ensnarl
• entoil
• embroil
• birdlime
• collar
• mire
• bag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disentangle
• extricate
• detach
• disengage
• liberate
• untangle
• free
• clear

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb entrap contrast with its synonyms?

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

entrapped the witness with a trick question

a sting operation that ensnared burglars

When might bag be a better fit than entrap?

The words bag and entrap are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

When could capture be used to replace entrap?

The meanings of capture and entrap largely overlap; however, capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

When is catch a more appropriate choice than entrap?

In some situations, the words catch and entrap are roughly equivalent. However, catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding.

caught the dog as it ran by

How does the word trap relate to other synonyms for entrap?

Trap, snare, entrap, and 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

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of entrap

While the requirement to stay in character was applied externally—in some cases by media attempts to entrap Santas with the suggestion of inappropriate behavior—the men Hancock interviewed described feeling their own commitment. —Laura Clawson, JSTOR Daily, 15 Dec. 2024

Moon must avoid either entrapping or enabling Kim, while persuading a skeptical Trump that only the United States can make a lasting deal with North Korea. —Scott Snyder, Foreign Affairs, 23 Feb. 2018

While awaiting sentencing, Flynn sought to withdraw his guilty plea by claiming he was entrapped by politically motivated federal investigators. —Sudiksha Kochi, USA TODAY, 2 Dec. 2024

That’s why Richard Linklater’s Hit Man, in which Powell plays a philosophy lecturer named Gary Johnson whose part-time job is to entrap criminals by posing as a variety of different assassins, was such a sensation at the 2023 Venice Film Festival. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 15 July 2024