CATCH Synonyms: 444 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

catch 1 of 2

verb

ˈkach

Definition of catch next

as in to grab

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly we tried to catch the kitten before she could sneak out the door

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to get

to become affected with (a disease or disorder) you'll catch the flu for sure if you don't get a shot

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to stop

to bring (something) to a standstill I caught myself just as I was about to step into the freshly poured concrete

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as in to secure

to put securely in place or in a desired position caught back her hair with a barrette

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as in to know

to have a clear idea of I didn't catch the point you were making about our nation's foreign policy

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to trick

to cause to believe what is untrue a number of media outlets were caught by the woman's hard-luck story

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to encounter

to come upon face-to-face or as if face-to-face I'll catch you at the library tomorrow

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to notice

to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes I looked out the window just in time to catch the neighbor's dog digging up my flower bed

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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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

fall short

catch

2 of 2

noun

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

as in prize

someone or something unusually desirable everyone thought the captain of the football team was a real catch

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

lemon
loser

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

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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

Maybe Thalia had come to Gilead under false pretenses and gotten caught. —

Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 6 May 2026 The same week Peters’ alligator video caught the authorities’ attention, the manosphere influencer was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor battery. —

Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 6 May 2026

Noun

Stylistically, Bernard’s run-after-catch skills, ability to work the middle of the field and pro-ready skill set should mesh with a (potential) Mike McCarthy-Aaron Rodgers offense. —

Mike Defabo, New York Times, 27 Apr. 2026 How the Donation Came Together The decision to donate rather than sell came down to the rarity of the catch, according to Wellfleet Shellfish Company Chief Operating Officer Dan Brandt. —

Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catch

Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch

Verb

Mikal Bridges grabbed the offensive rebound and threw it out to Jalen Brunson.

— Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 5 May 2026
The director also grabbed images on the fly, using his iPhone during location scouting to get close-ups of the insects and on set during forest chases.

— Stuart Miller, Los Angeles Times, 4 May 2026

Definition of grab

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catcalls

catch

catch-22

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Style

“Catch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch. Accessed 8 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of catch

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Synonyms of catch

verb

noun

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Phrases Containing catch

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Cite this Entry

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