as in traps
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 ensnares
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
Harvard University’s former president Larry Summers will resign from the school over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, as the scandal increasingly ensnares figures in academia.
—Tasneem Nashrulla, semafor.com, 26 Feb. 2026
His case also lays bare a US immigration system that routinely subjects migrants to prolonged detention under harsh conditions – one that human rights organizations say overwhelmingly ensnares Black and brown people far from the public spotlight.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Chasing records can be a trap that ensnares parks from commissioning more engaging and enduring coaster designs.
—Robert Niles, Oc Register, 6 Jan. 2026
Both reject the compound interest trap that ensnares millions in traditional credit products.
—Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Their risky bet ensnares another woman, Hui-yeon, who becomes entangled in their escalating deceit.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Los Angeles Times, 9 Mar. 2026
Harvard University’s former president Larry Summers will resign from the school over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein, as the scandal increasingly ensnares figures in academia.
—Tasneem Nashrulla, semafor.com, 26 Feb. 2026
His case also lays bare a US immigration system that routinely subjects migrants to prolonged detention under harsh conditions – one that human rights organizations say overwhelmingly ensnares Black and brown people far from the public spotlight.
—Kara Fox, CNN Money, 10 Feb. 2026
Chasing records can be a trap that ensnares parks from commissioning more engaging and enduring coaster designs.
—Robert Niles, Oc Register, 6 Jan. 2026
Both reject the compound interest trap that ensnares millions in traditional credit products.
—Boaz Sobrado, Forbes.com, 14 Aug. 2025
Their risky bet ensnares another woman, Hui-yeon, who becomes entangled in their escalating deceit.
—Patrick Brzeski, HollywoodReporter, 3 Sep. 2019
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensnares
Verb
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His handle is both his redeeming trait and what traps him in the half court.—
Joel Lorenzi,
New York Times,
8 Mar. 2026
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Clear Overgrowth Remove dense vegetation up against the house, which traps moisture and creates a cozy habitat for termites.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
6 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Wire pin or slicker brushes work best for dogs with long hair that tangles easily.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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This superb thriller about an obsessed fan (Kathy Bates) who rescues, and then entraps, a best-selling author (James Caan) still stands as an edge-of-your-seat experience.—
Julie Hinds,
Freep.com,
15 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Ensnares.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensnares. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.
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