ENTRAP Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

entrap

verb

in-ˈtrap

Definition of entrap next

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

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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

Examples 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 entrap With her heavy black bangs and penchant for dressing like a paper doll from the 1960s, the comedian is loud, indignant, and ready to entrap both spirits and audience members. —

Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2024 There should not be openings that may entrap a child's head, neck, or body (this poses a risk of asphyxiation). —

Samson McDougall, Parents, 5 Oct. 2024 That includes killing, wounding, entrapping or pursuing the animals, according to the initiative, as well as discharging a deadly weapon at them. —

Seth Klamann, The Denver Post, 2 Sep. 2024 The 50-foot whales blow circles of bubbles underwater, creating a net of air that entraps the krill. —

Lauren Sommer, NPR, 6 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for entrap