as in trapped
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as in tangled
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
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Recent Examples of ensnared
Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026
The high-profile dispute has, over the past year and a half, ensnared several other celebrities in Lively and Baldoni's orbit as the discovery process in their case exposed the stars' private communications.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
His resignation came just one day after the Times-Picayune identified him as being implicated in the bribery scheme that had already ensnared Dusty Guidry, a former state wildlife commissioner.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 1 Apr. 2026
Four people were charged Tuesday in connection a federal corruption investigation that has ensnared NYC Councilmember Farah Louis and a nonprofit providing homeless services to the city.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
Thus ensnared in a fiction of his making, the narrator takes his phone out and pretends to press Record.
—Giles Harvey, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
This is not the first off-field incident that Nacua has gotten ensnared in in recent months.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026
In its eagerness to bring other downtown projects to life, Miami has sprung a three-prong trap on itself that has ensnared the financial vitality of Bayfront Park.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
The money is being distributed through FEMA, part of the Department of Homeland Security, which has been ensnared in a partial government shutdown amid a political fight in Washington over immigration enforcement.
—Chase Rogers, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Verb
It's ensnared all kinds of products, including phones, laptops, and consoles, forcing consumers to pay more or hold off on purchases.
—Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 10 Apr. 2026
The high-profile dispute has, over the past year and a half, ensnared several other celebrities in Lively and Baldoni's orbit as the discovery process in their case exposed the stars' private communications.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 3 Apr. 2026
His resignation came just one day after the Times-Picayune identified him as being implicated in the bribery scheme that had already ensnared Dusty Guidry, a former state wildlife commissioner.
—Dac Collins, Outdoor Life, 1 Apr. 2026
Four people were charged Tuesday in connection a federal corruption investigation that has ensnared NYC Councilmember Farah Louis and a nonprofit providing homeless services to the city.
—Josephine Stratman, New York Daily News, 31 Mar. 2026
Thus ensnared in a fiction of his making, the narrator takes his phone out and pretends to press Record.
—Giles Harvey, New Yorker, 30 Mar. 2026
This is not the first off-field incident that Nacua has gotten ensnared in in recent months.
—Adam Grosbard, Oc Register, 30 Mar. 2026
In its eagerness to bring other downtown projects to life, Miami has sprung a three-prong trap on itself that has ensnared the financial vitality of Bayfront Park.
—Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2026
The money is being distributed through FEMA, part of the Department of Homeland Security, which has been ensnared in a partial government shutdown amid a political fight in Washington over immigration enforcement.
—Chase Rogers, Dallas Morning News, 20 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensnared
Adjective
-
Specialized care becomes a reality for families and adults who might otherwise remain trapped in delay.—
Gretchen Wittenmyer-Stone,
Kansas City Star,
10 Apr. 2026
-
The occupants became trapped when the vehicle plummeted into the hole.—
Gabrielle Rockson,
PEOPLE,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Heiskanen appeared to get sandwiched in between Hartman and the boards before going down in a heap and possibly getting his knee tangled up underneath him.—
R.J. Coyle,
Dallas Morning News,
10 Apr. 2026
-
Meatloaf, who weighs more than 200 lbs, was rescued earlier this year after being found tangled in fishing line and rope in the San Gabriel River, aquarium staff said.—
Cierra Morgan,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
Adjective
-
If your plant isn’t dormant at the time of repotting, take extra care with the roots, says Estrada, gently loosening any bound root balls when necessary.—
Michelle Mastro,
The Spruce,
12 Mar. 2026
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The Dodgers’ split-squad group that journeyed the 14 miles from Glendale (and ultimately lost to Texas, 7-6) was largely a skeleton crew of Triple-A bound prospects and wannabes.—
Tim Cowlishaw,
Dallas Morning News,
28 Feb. 2026
Adjective
-
Thomas Jefferson launched other expeditions besides Lewis and Clark’s, and those expeditions also included enslaved people, though their names have not survived.—
Craig Fehrman,
Space.com,
6 Apr. 2026
-
Thomas Jefferson launched other expeditions besides Lewis and Clark’s, and those expeditions also included enslaved people, though their names have not survived.—
Craig Fehrman,
The Conversation,
1 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ensnared.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensnared. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
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