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capture

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noun

as in prisoner
one that has been taken and held in confinement a Spanish treasure ship was the most valuable capture ever taken by that privateer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb capture contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of capture are bag, catch, ensnare, entrap, snare, and trap. While all these words mean "to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing," capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

In what contexts can bag take the place of capture?

In some situations, the words bag and capture are roughly equivalent. However, bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

When is catch a more appropriate choice than capture?

The words catch and capture are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 capture?

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 capture?

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 capture
Verb
The song captures Secor’s complicated affections for a city that is rapidly changing. Jessica Nicholson, Billboard, 11 July 2025 The recording features Trump, who would survive the scandal to become president of the United States two times over, bragging on a bus in 2005 about grabbing women by the genitals in audio captured off camera. Chris Gardner, HollywoodReporter, 10 July 2025
Noun
From July 10 to 13, fans will be able to get their hands bloody at Dexter: The Experience, an immersive journey in London’s East End where guests work as Dexter’s dark passenger for over 40 minutes to solve puzzles and evade capture. Lily Ford, HollywoodReporter, 11 July 2025 The Marshals Service is offering a reward of up to $20,000 for information leading to Decker's capture. Jenna Sundel, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for capture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capture
Verb
  • Two, the Padres can win a wild-card playoff berth without adding a catcher.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 14 July 2025
  • The Powerball jackpot was last won May 31, when a California player hit the $204.5 million grand prize.
    Don Sweeney July 13, Kansas City Star, 13 July 2025
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
  • One cadet grabbed the steering wheel and the sudden movement sent a woman tumbling off the back of the truck, according to WacoHistory.org.
    David Ubben, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Noun
  • Return Strong said the prison offered months of delay for one individual with a broken wrist and finger, limited mental health care, mold covering the shower walls, restricted visitation, took away access to fruit and stuck prisoners with years of solitary confinement.
    Alex Brizee, Idaho Statesman, 19 July 2025
  • The attorney had visited El Salvador and was aware of that country’s reputation for mistreating prisoners.
    Melissa Sanchez, ProPublica, 18 July 2025
Verb
  • Brosnahan earned widespread recognition and her first Emmy nomination for guest starring as Rachel Posner on House of Cards.
    Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
  • The sandy shores are combed for seaweed and trash nightly, which earned the town a Blue Wave certification.
    Tara Massouleh McCay, Southern Living, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Scannell also said that his dogs as well as one of his neighbors suffered respiratory problems after one of the project's contractors — who was later fired — was caught dumping debris out of the building's windows.
    JC Reindl, Freep.com, 23 July 2025
  • While strolling, take a moment to stop and catch views of the Tuckasegee River and visit the Swain County Heritage Museum.
    Jennifer Prince, Southern Living, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Target held or gained market share in 15 of its 35 merchandise divisions in the first quarter, Chief Commercial Officer Rick Gomez said in May.
    Melissa Repko, CNBC, 15 July 2025
  • Since then he’s noticed the tool gain popularity among his residents and surgeon colleagues.
    Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
Verb
  • Investigators noted that one of the devices that was seized could not be examined because it was encrypted, the warrant affidavit said.
    Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 22 July 2025
  • Marino revealed to This American Life that during the early days of filming the reality show, Butler approached him about selling large amounts of marijuana that had been seized in drug raids by Wielsch.
    Lynsey Eidell, People.com, 22 July 2025
Verb
  • Frost and First Liberty allegedly told investors 100% of the proceeds from loan agreements and promissory notes would be used to fund bridge loans and that investors would be reap gains from the repayment of the bridge loans and the interest paid on them.
    Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 11 July 2025
  • Real estate professionals are the first to believe that the Sunshine State will reap huge benefits from Mamdani's victory.
    Giulia Carbonaro, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Capture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capture. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

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