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
Dan stepped onto the scene in a tailored suit that caught the light and everyone’s attention. Karissa Mitchell, Essence, 15 Aug. 2025 For all Sacks’ efforts to remain an indefinable cult figure outside the mainstream, he has lately been caught in Hollywood’s tractor beam, with several film scripts in advanced stages of development. Julian Sancton, HollywoodReporter, 15 Aug. 2025
Noun
McCaffrey's ability to not only catch screen passes but also line up as a makeshift wide receiver makes San Francisco's offense very unpredictable and hard to handle. Robert Marvi, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Aug. 2025 But having Bryce Carlson, who made 33 catches for 468 yards last season, will be reassuring. Steve Reaven, Chicago Tribune, 15 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for catch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch
Verb
  • But Sunday, unfortunately for him, slipped away quickly as World No. 1 grabbed his fifth season title.
    Devlina Sarkar, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Aug. 2025
  • Four prisoners had to take turns using a bunk bed just to grab a few hours of sleep.
    Michael Collins, USA Today, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Senators’ previous owner, the late Eugene Melnyk, put the wheels in motion for a potential project at LeBreton Flats back in 2016, but was never able to get the project off the ground.
    Carol Schram, Forbes.com, 13 Aug. 2025
  • Students apply separately to get into magnet programs.
    Racquel Bazos, Baltimore Sun, 13 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Texas Democrats fled their state on August 3, heading to Illinois, New York and Massachusetts, in order to stop Republicans from approving the redrawn House maps sought by President Donald Trump that would give the GOP five more winnable seats before next year's midterm elections.
    Khaleda Rahman, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Aug. 2025
  • That means that education will continue to be a big part in stopping scammers.
    Kelly Phillips Erb, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • New England remains winless against LAFC — now 0-3-1 going back to 2017 — and has secured just two wins in its last 16 regular season matches.
    Julian Cardillo, Boston Herald, 17 Aug. 2025
  • Yet, this does not require us to maintain the illusion that a few more nuclear weapons—or even tanks and drones—will secure peace through military victory.
    Charles Oppenheimer, Time, 17 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The Charger, previously known for housing V8 engines and pushing some serious power, became an EV in 2024.
    Liam Rappleye, Freep.com, 9 Aug. 2025
  • Here's what to know about Trump's approval rating, including how they are decided and how Trump's ratings compare with his first term and past presidents.
    Laura Daniella Sepulveda, AZCentral.com, 9 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The church hosts sure love tricking us into eating raw broccoli by serving it up in this creamy pasta salad.
    Kaitlyn Yarborough, Southern Living, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Searching for an event, restaurant, or service online reduces the chance of being tricked by a malicious redirect or fraudulent site.
    Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Coming back from space, the ship encounters much higher temperatures than the booster sees at lower velocities.
    Stephen Clark, ArsTechnica, 15 Aug. 2025
  • Investigators encounter them at multiple times in human history.
    Rob Wieland, Forbes.com, 15 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Radhi, an Ayurvedic enthusiast, noticed Jay’s sweet tooth was something deeper than an occasional craving.
    Omaid Homayun, Forbes.com, 8 Aug. 2025
  • Other investigators will focus on the crime itself — preserving the crime scene, collecting evidence, and talking to associates who may have noticed something unusual.
    Alexandra Koch, FOXNews.com, 7 Aug. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Catch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch. Accessed 24 Aug. 2025.

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