catch 1 of 2

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as in to chase
to move fast enough to get even with despite the suspect's considerable lead, the fleet-footed police officer was able to catch him and make an arrest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

catch

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noun

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as in hitch
a danger or difficulty that is hidden or not easily recognized the catch is that you have to come up with the money by tomorrow

Synonyms & Similar Words

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as in haul
the total amount collected or obtained especially at one time the total catch for our day at the creek was six fish and a crab

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb catch contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of catch are bag, capture, ensnare, entrap, snare, and trap. While all these words mean "to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing," catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding.

caught the dog as it ran by

Where would bag be a reasonable alternative to catch?

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

bagged a brace of pheasants

When is capture a more appropriate choice than catch?

While the synonyms capture and catch are close in meaning, capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

How are the words entrap and ensnare related as synonyms of catch?

Both entrap and ensnare more often are figurative.

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

How is trap related to other words for catch?

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

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 catch
Verb
The goal of catching medical issues early is part of the clinic’s founding ethos. Justin Fenner, Robb Report, 10 July 2025 The outsoles are made with reliable rubber treads to provide vital traction on slick city streets and beyond, and the sleek leather exteriors will remain in pristine shape even if you get caught in an unexpected rainstorm. Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 10 July 2025
Noun
Even seeing DeVonta have a big catch in the Super Bowl and AJ Brown has always been one of the best guys on third down. Kevin McCormick, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 July 2025 Pass plays feel less predictable; there are more surprise catches and missed throws. Chris Vannini, New York Times, 10 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for catch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch
Verb
  • Order fish tacos or fresh salads at Bad Boy Burrito; grab at coffee at Cafe Moka; shop for clothing and gifts at Miss Monroe Boutique; and browse the open-air stalls at boo kee sue Botanics for handmade textiles, ceramics, and more.
    Lisa Cericola, Southern Living, 12 July 2025
  • To find your nearest 7-Eleven and grab a free Slurpee, search the store locator on 7-Eleven's website.
    Jenna Prestininzi, Freep.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • So much for my hope that Jess would get a promotion!
    Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 8 July 2025
  • Maybe there's a path for Turner to get there eventually.
    Drew VonScio, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 July 2025
Verb
  • The toddler stopped crying about 15 minutes after she had been put down for a nap.
    Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 July 2025
  • Years later, Sunshine stopped making the peanut butter, and Zuckerman bought the company back.
    Susan Selasky, Freep.com, 11 July 2025
Verb
  • The Secret Service received a warning about a possible attempt on President Donald Trump’s life 10 days before he was shot in Butler, Pennsylvania, but failed to alert the local law enforcement agencies tasked with securing the event, according to a government report released on Saturday.
    Barnini Chakraborty, The Washington Examiner, 12 July 2025
  • Villa failed to secure Champions League football after losing 2-0 against United on the final day of the season, with Martinez receiving a red card after fouling Rasmus Hojlund outside the penalty area.
    Mark Critchley, New York Times, 12 July 2025
Verb
  • Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming.
    Rebecca Schneid, Time, 7 July 2025
  • But give us a few more decades of carbon emissions and poor planning, and who knows?
    Chris Reed, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 July 2025
Verb
  • Madeline is pissed that Riri brought that kind of energy into their sacred space and Ronnie is mad at Riri for tricking her into getting her there then embarrassing her in front of company.
    Stacia Brown, Vulture, 2 July 2025
  • This is exactly how scammers trick people into giving up personal details, login credentials, or even payment information.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 2 July 2025
Verb
  • The meeting was the second time Rubio and Lavrov had encountered each other since the secretary took up the top job.
    Caitlin McFall, FOXNews.com, 10 July 2025
  • However, OpenAI’s large language model has encountered scaling constraints and can no longer simply grow in size and complexity as with previous generations.
    Christiaan Hetzner, Fortune, 10 July 2025
Verb
  • Sports fans may notice a difference in the race calls this season as longtime announcer Trevor Denman announced his retirement in March.
    Kelley Carlson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 5 July 2025
  • Residents in the area may continue to notice a gas-like odor.
    Maia Pandey, jsonline.com, 4 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Catch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch. Accessed 15 Jul. 2025.

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