Synonyms of ensnare

ensnare

verb

in-ˈsner 

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

• trap
• tangle
• entrap
• enmesh
• entangle
• snare
• mesh
• involve
• net
• capture
• ensnarl
• catch up
• implicate
• entoil
• embroil
• collar
• mire
• birdlime
• bag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disentangle
• extricate
• detach
• disengage
• liberate
• untangle
• free
• clear

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

Recent Examples of ensnare

Crude prices have spiked to their highest levels in at least 14 years as the war, now in its second week, ensnares countries and places that are critical to the production and movement of oil and gas from the Persian Gulf. —Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026

The Iran war, now in its second week, has ensnared countries and places that are critical to the production and movement of oil and gas from the Persian Gulf. —Elaine Kurtenbach, Fortune, 9 Mar. 2026

Oil prices have surged as the war, now in its second week, ensnares countries and infrastructure critical to the production and movement of oil and gas. —Elaine Kurtenbach, Chicago Tribune, 8 Mar. 2026

Documents concerning UAPs are commonly ensnared with such sensitive intelligence that could impact national security if publicly disclosed, and would implicate a thorough declassification process. —Danya Gainor, CNN Money, 7 Mar. 2026