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
• immesh
• 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

But when a message arrives one day from prospective client Sarah (Lily James), a scientist from a biotech company armed with claims of an unlawful coverup regarding toxic chemicals, Ash becomes ensnared in a game of cat and mouse with a corporate intimidator played by Sam Worthington. —Jessica Wang, EW.com, 5 June 2025

Denver’s city council last month voted not to extend a contract with Flock, citing fears that its cameras would be used to ensnare and deport undocumented immigrants in the community. —Kara Newhouse, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 June 2025

Some carnivorous plants ensnare insects and other small invertebrates, like the famous Venus flytraps of North Carolina and South Carolina’s marshes. —Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 June 2025

Stakes in major Stockyards properties are set to be auctioned in May, after the former leader of the historic district’s redevelopment became ensnared in a lawsuit with his former company. —Kate Marijolovic, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Apr. 2025