Thesaurus

catch

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

verb

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Synonyms & Antonyms of catch

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 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 for catch

bag,
capture,
collar,
cop
[slang],
corral,
get,
glom,
grab,
grapple,
hook,
land,
nab,
nail,
net,
nobble
[British slang],
rap,
seize,
snag,
snap (up),
snare,
snatch,
trap

Words Related to catch

bay,
corner

rend,
wrest

Phrases Synonymous with catch

take hold (of)

Near Antonyms for catch

Antonyms for catch

miss

2 to become affected with (a disease or disorder)

you'll catch the flu for sure if you don't get a shot

Synonyms for catch

Words Related to catch

break out (with)

Near Antonyms for catch

3 to bring (something) to a standstill

I caught myself just as I was about to step into the freshly poured concrete

Synonyms for catch

Words Related to catch

Near Antonyms for catch

4 to put securely in place or in a desired position

caught back her hair with a barrette

Synonyms for catch

Words Related to catch

embed
(also imbed),
entrench
(also intrench),
implant,
ingrain
(also engrain),
lodge,
stuff,
wedge

Near Antonyms for catch

Antonyms for catch

5 to have a clear idea of

I didn't catch the point you were making about our nation's foreign policy

Synonyms for catch

Words Related to catch

realize

Phrases Synonymous with catch

pick up on

Near Antonyms for catch

Antonyms for catch

miss

6 to cause to believe what is untrue

a number of media outlets were caught by the woman's hard-luck story

Synonyms for catch

Words Related to catch

Phrases Synonymous with catch

Near Antonyms for catch

Antonyms for catch

undeceive

7 to come upon face-to-face or as if face-to-face

I'll catch you at the library tomorrow

Synonyms for catch

Words Related to catch

accost,
confront

reencounter,
remeet

Phrases Synonymous with catch

Near Antonyms for catch

8 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

Synonyms for catch

Words Related to catch

study,
watch

Phrases Synonymous with catch

Near Antonyms for catch

miss,
overlook

9 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 for catch

Words Related to catch

chase,
pursue

gain,
reach

pass,
surpass

Near Antonyms for catch

fall short

catch

noun

Synonyms & Antonyms of catch (Entry 2 of 2)

1 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 for catch

Words Related to catch

2 someone or something unusually desirable

everyone thought the captain of the football team was a real catch

Synonyms for catch

Words Related to catch

brass ring

glory,
pride

Near Antonyms for catch

lemon,
loser

3 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 for catch

Words Related to catch

Near Antonyms for catch

Frequently Asked Questions About catch

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

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