ensnare

as in to trap
to catch or hold as if in a net parked just out of view, the state trooper was lying in wait to ensnare unwary speeders

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb ensnare contrast with its synonyms?

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

When can bag be used instead of ensnare?

While in some cases nearly identical to ensnare, bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

When is it sensible to use capture instead of ensnare?

In some situations, the words capture and ensnare are roughly equivalent. However, capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

When could catch be used to replace ensnare?

Although the words catch and ensnare have much in common, catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding.

caught the dog as it ran by

How are the words entrap and ensnare related?

Both entrap and ensnare more often are figurative.

entrapped the witness with a trick question
a sting operation that ensnared burglars

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 ensnare The law, which has faced accusations of being over-broad in its language, has ensnared many. Angele Latham, Nashville Tennessean, 23 Sep. 2025 The order offered little clarity, however, about whether the steep new charge applied only to new applications or might also ensnare people seeking renewals and even those already holding valid visas. Matteo Moschella, NBC news, 21 Sep. 2025 Cain, an orthodontist from Texas, was unwittingly ensnared in the murder investigation. Doc Louallen, ABC News, 19 Sep. 2025 When any object gets close to a supermassive black hole, it's typically ensnared in a powerful gravitational pull. Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 16 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ensnare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensnare
Verb
  • If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Many moths, attracted to the ultraviolet lights, were captured during a light-trapping excursion near Malles Venosta, Italy.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Biologists use it, too, to understand the way proteins in our cells tangle up and to create effective gene-editing technologies.
    Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The parachute relies on a single suspension line rather than many cords, which reduces tangling and speeds up deployment.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • The Eagles, at times, struggled to entrap the eighth-year veteran quarterback.
    Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025
  • Hazard: Dressers can tip over and entrap children if not anchored to a wall, violating the STURDY Act standards.
    MSNBC Newsweek, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Ensnare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensnare. Accessed 9 Oct. 2025.

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