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
The alleged thieves were caught and their trial began this week. Eleanor Beardsley, NPR, 29 Apr. 2025 At least 40 people were killed and more than 1,000 injured when an area filled with shipping containers caught fire and exploded, sending a huge plume of thick smoke into the air. Jade Walker, CNN Money, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
The Royals had the tying run at second base when MJ Melendez smoked a line drive to right field with two outs in the ninth, but Bellinger robbed him of a would-be-game-tying hit with a full-extension diving catch. Peter Sblendorio, New York Daily News, 17 Apr. 2025 But, of course, there's a catch: Shopping at Costco requires a membership. Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 16 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for catch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch
Verb
  • Antetokounmpo finished the game by scoring 36 points, grabbing 13 rebounds, and blocking two shots.
    Nicholas Creel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Apr. 2025
  • So grab a pencil, a few colors or a coloring book and enjoy your boosted brain power.
    Ann Kowal Smith, Forbes.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Otherwise, a ton of talented players got to achieve their dreams this weekend.
    Thomas G. Moukawsher, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Apr. 2025
  • After the performances are over and this year's inductees are revealed, viewers will get the chance to vote for their favorite contestants before eliminations.
    Amaris Encinas, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • When the American money stopped flowing, the local soup kitchen closed and Ms. Musa went out searching for food.
    Declan Walsh, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The confrontation stopped and restarted as the man appeared to try to get the knife away from Perez over the fence.
    Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The last time the teams met, in Columbus in October 2024, Messi scored two goals to lead Miami to a 3-2 victory that secured the Supporters Shield.
    Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald, 19 Apr. 2025
  • The Spartans finished fourth in the session, but secured a No. 6 final ranking, their highest in program history.
    Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 19 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Martha Stewart previously slammed former friend Ina Garten The lifestyle maven is known to cook up beef with fellow lifestyle brand competitors, including taking aim at former friend Ina Garten in September.
    Jay Stahl, USA Today, 26 Apr. 2025
  • Unfortunately, Seong-je knows no loyalty, and agrees to beat up Si-eun for Baek-jin on the morning of the fight.
    Kayti Burt, Time, 26 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Deceptive tactics trick users into providing biometric data unknowingly.
    Mohamed Lazzouni, Forbes.com, 25 Apr. 2025
  • The light from screens can trick your brain into staying awake.
    Lindsay Curtis, Health, 24 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • On the contrary, all the inputs people encounter, by choice or by circumstance—the news reports, the novels, the films, the celebrities, the radio shows, the billboards, the histories, the satires, the amusements, the truths, the lies—tend to end up in the same place.
    Megan Garber, The Atlantic, 29 Apr. 2025
  • While polar bears are considered a marine mammal and spend most of their life on drifting sea ice, Visit Svalbard advises visitors to be prepared to encounter a polar bear anywhere in Svalbard.
    Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 29 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Turn Overcoming Fear Into A Daily Game Make it into a game to notice your vulnerabilities and find your courage.
    Expert Panel®, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025
  • People can improve their ability to notice and feel this positive emotion.
    Monica Y. Bartlett, The Conversation, 24 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

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

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