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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ensnares
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 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
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
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
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
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 22 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
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
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensnares
Verb
-
Microfiber actually traps it, thanks to a static charge that pulls particles in and holds onto them.—
Angela Haupt,
Time,
3 June 2026
-
Fabric softeners can leave a residue that traps heat and sweat in the sheets’ fibers, according to Schrader.—
Sheila Kim,
The Spruce,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
Wire pin or slicker brushes work best for dogs with long hair that tangles easily.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
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 10 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
