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snare

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verb

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb snare contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of snare are bag, capture, catch, ensnare, entrap, 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 is bag a more appropriate choice than snare?

In some situations, the words bag and snare are roughly equivalent. However, bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

When is it sensible to use capture instead of snare?

Although the words capture and snare have much in common, capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

When would catch be a good substitute for snare?

The synonyms catch and snare are sometimes interchangeable, but 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 as synonyms of snare?

Both entrap and ensnare more often are figurative.

entrapped the witness with a trick question
a sting operation that ensnared burglars

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 snare
Noun
The proliferation of snares is perhaps the most pressing threat to their survival. Scott Travers, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024 Props to whoever pitched the idea of performing in oversize bug costumes to Weezer, and props to the band for enthusiastically agreeing, because when that camera zooms in on drummer Patrick Wilson hitting a snare while dressed as a praying mantis? Marah Eakin, Vulture, 12 Aug. 2024
Verb
Andrade landed her vault and snared the gold medal — and Biles’ imaginary crown. Terrence McCoy, Washington Post, 29 July 2024 Residents also grew frustrated, as migrants reluctantly snared in endless court proceedings appeared to be gaming the system and living off the taxpayers’ dole. Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for snare 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for snare
Noun
  • The fastest way to get rid of roof rats involves a combination of trapping, sealing entry points and removing food and shelter: Set traps strategically: Use snap traps or electronic traps baited with peanut butter, fruit or nuts.
    Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Why Keyword Blocking Is The Wrong Measure In my opinion, creating blacklists of keywords is the most standard brand safety measure, as well as its most typical trap.
    Roman Vrublivskyi, Forbes, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • His proof only guaranteed, for instance, that the circle could be found in his sponge — not that all homeomorphic knots could be, their loops and tangles still intact.
    Quanta Magazine, Quanta Magazine, 26 Nov. 2024
  • In about 30 minutes the dish is ready, an encouraging tangle of tasty equilibrium.
    Scott Hocker, theweek, 26 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • The 2-pound cordless device is easy to grab in a pinch to clean small spills and fur balls off of furniture, and it can also be used to refresh car interiors.
    Clara McMahon, People.com, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Some Broad Ripple Starbucks lovers woke up to a surprise Thursday morning while stopping to grab a cup of Joe.
    Alysa Guffey, The Indianapolis Star, 13 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Authorities arrested a suspect and charged him with murder Monday in the Manhattan killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO after a quick-thinking McDonald's customer in Pennsylvania spotted a man whom officers found with a gun, mask and writings linking him to the ambush.
    Democrat-Gazette staff from wire reports, arkansasonline.com, 10 Dec. 2024
  • Responding officers, including a rookie cop who received praise from leaders in New York and Pennsylvania, immediately recognized Mangione as the suspect wanted in connection with the New York City ambush shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, authorities said.
    Michael Ruiz, Fox News, 10 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Tightening the sanctions noose would make Moscow’s colossal war effort less financially sustainable, and with the prospect of a sputtering war machine and domestic discontent over deteriorating economic conditions, Putin may feel pressure to accept terms more favorable to Ukraine.
    Theodore Bunzel, Foreign Affairs, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Vice President Mike Pence knew what his constitutional duty was, yet he was threatened with a noose.
    Reader Commentary, Baltimore Sun, 24 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • But time might be running out for Belichick at his age (72) to get back to the NFL and score the 26 wins needed to catch Shula.
    David K. Li, NBC News, 12 Dec. 2024
  • Read more:Chiefs' Hollywood Brown Posts New Workout Video Indicating His Return Following that post, Brown posted another video, this time training and catching balls at the Chiefs' training facility.
    Gordon G. Chang, Newsweek, 12 Dec. 2024
Noun
  • Such is the case with this new secure connection warning for Android users of Google’s Chrome web browser.
    Davey Winder, Forbes, 15 Dec. 2024
  • Data for Progress conducted a survey of 1,473 U.S. likely voters nationally using web panel respondents.
    Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 13 Dec. 2024
Verb
  • It was thought that the Yankees would pursue former Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames if Soto signed elsewhere, but the San Francisco Giants snatched him Saturday night on a colossal seven-year, $182 million deal.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024
  • Jefferson motioned like a yo-yo before his first touchdown, climbing up to the second level and snatching a pass with outstretched hands.
    Alec Lewis, The Athletic, 9 Dec. 2024

Thesaurus Entries Near snare

Cite this Entry

“Snare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/snare. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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