TRAP Synonyms: 137 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'trap' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of trap are bag , capture , catch , ensnare , entrap , and snare . 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 could 'bag' be used to replace 'trap'?

The words bag and trap can be used in similar contexts, but bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey. // bagged a brace of pheasants

Q: When is it sensible to use 'capture' instead of 'trap'?

While in some cases nearly identical to trap , capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty. // capture an enemy stronghold

Q: When might 'catch' be a better fit than 'trap'?

In some situations, the words catch and trap 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 do 'entrap' and 'ensnare' relate to one another, in the sense of 'trap'?

Both entrap and ensnare more often are figurative. // entrapped the witness with a trick question // a sting operation that ensnared burglars

trap 1 of 2

noun

ˈtrap

Definition of trap next

as in ambush

a device or scheme for capturing another by surprise undercover agents devised a trap to catch the counterfeiters a bear trap

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in ambushment

a setup in which hidden attackers lie in wait an overland route to the Far East that was once notorious for the many robbers who laid traps for unsuspecting wayfarers

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in tangle

something that catches and holds the promotion is really just a trap to keep her from taking a new job elsewhere

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in mouth

slang the opening through which food passes into the body of an animal shut your trap before someone belts you one!

Synonyms & Similar Words

trap

2 of 2

verb

as in to tangle

to catch or hold as if in a net an ambitious young man who was now trapped in a series of shady business deals

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to grab

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly finally trapped the annoying fly in the palm of his hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb trap contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of trap are bag, capture, catch, ensnare, entrap, and snare. 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 could bag be used to replace trap?

The words bag and trap can be used in similar contexts, but bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

When is it sensible to use capture instead of trap?

While in some cases nearly identical to trap, capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

When might catch be a better fit than trap?

In some situations, the words catch and trap 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 do entrap and ensnare relate to one another, in the sense of trap?

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 trap

Noun

Irving can’t waste the opportunity to take a shot at Dylan’s love for finger traps, caricature portraits and all the rest of Lumon’s incentives. —

Josh Wigler, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Jan. 2025 Her fate mimics that of the women who, desperate for stardom, ended up falling into the trap set by Harvey Weinstein. —

Billy J. Stratton, The Conversation, 17 Jan. 2025

Verb

Under normal conditions, trees and other plants usually trap some rain above the surface, slowing the water’s downward journey. —

Meghan Bartels, Scientific American, 24 Jan. 2025 Jared Rosenberg’s script would have worked almost as well as a stage play, as its real brilliance lies in its ability to generate endless amount of conflict by trapping three people who are uniquely qualified to grate on each other’s nerves in a room together. —

Christian Zilko, IndieWire, 23 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for trap

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trap

Noun

Witnesses reported gunfire from multiple directions, suggesting a coordinated ambush.

— Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025
Related Articles East Bay woman accused of elder theft hit with federal charge Elderly man killed in East Bay hit-and-run Oakland saloon hit by gunfire after patron forcibly removed, authorities say After Fremont ambush homicide, police say a lead suspect got a ride to the Mexico border.

— Harry Harris, The Mercury News, 24 Dec. 2024