Synonyms of net

net 1 of 4

noun (1)

ˈnet 

1

as in netting

a fabric made of strands loosely twisted, knotted, or woven together at regular intervals

the basketball didn't go into the basket—it just hit the net

Synonyms & Similar Words

• netting
• web
• mesh
• network
• webbing
• lace
• screening
• screen
• tulle
• grille
• lattice
• filigree
• fishnet
• bobbinet
• marquisette
• wirework
• Brussels lace

2

as in trap

a device or scheme for capturing another by surprise

drug runners caught in an elaborate net set by the police

Synonyms & Similar Words

• trap
• ambush
• web
• snare
• ruse
• entanglement
• trick
• deception
• entrapment
• envelopment
• hazard
• catch
• snag
• land mine
• pitfall
• duplicity
• cheat
• subterfuge
• enmeshment
• cheating
• ploy
• booby trap
• double-dealing
• artifice

3

as in web

something that catches and holds

caught in a net of palace intrigues

Synonyms & Similar Words

• web
• tangle
• trap
• entanglement
• labyrinth
• snare
• noose
• maze
• quicksand
• morass
• quagmire
• mesh(es)
• tanglement
• toil(s)
• snarl
• knot
• cobweb
• spiderweb
• cat's cradle

net

2 of 4

noun (2)

1

as in profit

the amount of money left when expenses are subtracted from the total amount received

his net for the year was about 60% of his total income

Synonyms & Similar Words

• profit
• earnings
• proceeds
• gain
• income
• return
• payoff
• salary
• revenue
• sales
• lucre
• wages
• bottom line
• payment
• windfall
• cleanup
• killing
• yield
• pay
• gross
• compensation
• interest
• emolument
• remittal
• requital

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• cost
• loss
• expense
• expenditure
• charge
• outlay
• outgo
• disbursement

2

as in root

the central part or aspect of something under consideration

the net of the report on race relations is that things are better but not good enough

Synonyms & Similar Words

• root
• core
• essence
• heart
• kernel
• sum
• point
• meat
• nucleus
• pivot
• sum and substance
• bottom line
• gist
• pith
• crux
• subject
• centerpiece
• the long and short
• nub
• content
• bull's-eye
• direction
• tenor
• meat and potatoes
• keynote
• theme
• drift
• substance
• body
• nubbin
• course
• thesis
• hypothesis
• proposition
• purport

net

3 of 4

verb (1)

1

as in to trap

to catch or hold as if in a net

the kite was stubbornly netted in the branches of the willow tree

Synonyms & Similar Words

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

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

2

as in to grab

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly

a police sting that netted drug dealers from all parts of the city

Synonyms & Similar Words

• grab
• catch
• land
• snatch
• capture
• seize
• trap
• get
• snare
• hook
• snag
• grapple
• bag
• take hold (of)
• corral
• snap (up)
• nab
• nail
• rope
• rap
• nobble
• cop
• glom
• collar
• grasp
• glove
• clutch
• secure
• bay
• arrest
• hold
• grip
• fist
• corner
• mesh
• lasso
• apprehend
• ensnare
• latch (on or onto)
• clasp
• detain
• rend
• fasten (on)
• entrap
• halter
• entangle
• kidnap
• spirit (away or off)
• wrest
• enmesh
• abduct

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• miss
• free
• release
• discharge
• drop
• liberate
• loosen
• unhand

net

4 of 4

verb (2)

as in to earn

to receive after charges and deductions have been made

the entrepreneur netted millions on that deal

Synonyms & Similar Words

• earn
• gain
• get
• make
• realize
• clear
• garner
• clean up
• rake (in)
• cash in (on)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• gross

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of net

Noun

Helping people keep Medicaid Medicaid, in particular, is a key support for safety-net providers. —Suzanne King, Kansas City Star, 31 Mar. 2026

That makes Blackstone’s client base mostly financial advisors who recommend those asset classes to their clients, as well as family offices and high-net-worth individuals. —Lee Clifford, Fortune, 31 Mar. 2026

Verb

The robbery netted only $23, while his bond was set at $1,000. —Ryan Brennan, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2026

The senior continued a stunning run of scoring to start the season, netting 12 goals in a 16-13 win over Aragon and eight in a 13-4 win over Valley Christian. —Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 30 Mar. 2026