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
Here’s how, when and where to catch these two solar system objects as their paths cross each other. Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 According to local authorities, the actor was caught in a strong current. Clayton Davis, Variety, 22 July 2025
Noun
The catch is a pricey subscription for subject recognition, smart alerts, and cloud storage. Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025 This is a brilliant camera for professionals, the only catch being that the menu system can a little unwieldy. Chris McMullen, Space.com, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for catch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch
Verb
  • Leave your troubles behind and grab a lime, because Thursday is National Tequila Day.
    Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Concerned, the roommates grabbed golf clubs from one of the first-floor bedrooms and checked the house for a possible intruder.
    Christopher Cann, USA Today, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free daily newsletter to get breaking news, exclusive first looks, recaps, reviews, interviews with your favorite stars, and more.
    EW.com, EW.com, 1 Aug. 2025
  • Symptoms of the disease, which can take up to 14 days after exposure to show up, include: Cough Fever Headaches Muscle aches Shortness of breath The disease can be treated with antibiotics, and most healthy people who get infected usually get better, but complications are possible.
    Melina Khan, USA Today, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • Shortly after Braun’s executive order, the Indiana Department of Health told local health departments to stop accepting requests to change genders on birth certificates.
    Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 24 July 2025
  • But, the good news, Wolf says, is that steroid treatments can stop the progression of the disease.
    Wendy Grossman Kantor, People.com, 23 July 2025
Verb
  • Crowley and his administration pushed for the housing development, racing against the clock to secure time-sensitive federal funding and tax credits.
    Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • Addison lunged to secure the catch, then trotted into the end zone.
    Alec Lewis, New York Times, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • Ford’s traditional business operations, known as Ford Blue, earned $661 million in the quarter compared with $1.17 billion in the year-ago quarter.
    Jamie L. LaReau, Freep.com, 31 July 2025
  • The Free Stage is known for drawing crowds with its mix of retro icons and crowd-pleasers.
    Samanta Habashy, IndyStar, 31 July 2025
Verb
  • In the ensuing hours, Hernandez asked several times to go home, said the officers were trying to trick him, sobbed, clutched at his stomach, lay on the floor in a fetal position, had a fentanyl patch placed on his chest to treat his chronic pain, and mentioned his mental illness diagnoses.
    Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 28 July 2025
  • In the series, Haddix revealed to the audience that Tonka was alive and celebrated her tricking the court.
    Minyvonne Burke, NBC news, 24 July 2025
Verb
  • For the first time Cuba allowed more visitors from abroad, particularly Cuban Americans, and encounters between the Cuban diaspora and Cubans living on the island began to happen.
    Jane Ciabattari July 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
  • The center's July 18 report shows at least 26 states plus Washington, D.C., are encountering a summer surge, according to its epidemic trend modeling, using data from emergency department visits.
    Kathryn Palmer, USA Today, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Trends researchers noticed included the popularity of banh mi and an interest in vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options.
    Fielding Buck, Oc Register, 29 July 2025
  • In the 13 years Nick Schweitzer has lived on the west side of Wauwatosa, the property assessment revaluation notice the city mailed him in mid-July 2025 is higher than any he's seen before.
    Bridget Fogarty, jsonline.com, 29 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Catch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.

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