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

Eventually, the trio of men ensnares everyone in this family into their trap, their demands unveiling over a claustrophobic feature-length as various tables and allegiances are turned back and forth. —Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 22 May 2026

The scheme ensnared former ministers, Defense Minister Umerov, and Prime Minister Sviridenko. —Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 20 May 2026

That would make sure people are correctly identified to ensure others aren’t ensnared in operations, Cardenas said. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 16 May 2026

The movie is about how Irwin and his brother, a high-rolling ex-cop named Gary (Adam Driver), get involved in a financial scheme that ensnares them in the tentacles of the Russian mob. —Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 16 May 2026