ENTANGLE Synonyms: 80 Similar and Opposite Words

entangle

verb

in-ˈtaŋ-gəl

Definition of entangle

as in to knot

to twist together into a usually confused mass in the process of taking down the Christmas tree, we managed to entangle the string of lights into a hopeless mess of wires

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to trap

to catch or hold as if in a net the young runaway gradually became entangled in a web of lies

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to complicate

to make complex or difficult the history of Alexander the Great is entangled by variant accounts of his exploits

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 entangle In The Idol Depp plays Jocelyn, a struggling pop star who becomes entangled with manipulative, sleazy nightclub owner Tedros (Tesfaye). — Encyclopedia Britannica, 2 Sep. 2026 This third photon is entangled with the first photon and then both are analyzed for their quantum states, which in the process destroys those states. — IEEE Spectrum, 2 Sep. 2026 How to critique technological solutionism without embracing rural idealization and nostalgia of the kind entangled with nationalism and völkisch thought? — Pablo Larios, Artforum, 1 Sep. 2026 Life and death are entangled, like a once-prosperous but now deserted community. — Jonathan Flint, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for entangle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for entangle

Verb

James’ first takeaway marked a major turning point in the game, with the contest knotted at 24 and just under nine minutes remaining.

— Connor Dullinger, Los Angeles Times, 7 Sep. 2026
In the bottom of the ninth inning and a runner on second base for the Rockies with two outs, McCarthy had the opportunity to at least tie the game and force extra innings with a base knock to knot things up at two runs apiece.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 1 Sep. 2026

Definition of knot

Verb

Coxon argued that corporate competition has trapped labs in a hubristic race that forces them to build dangerous systems first.

— Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 9 Sep. 2026
Markets seem trapped in a cycle of Iran tensions leading to higher oil prices, which leads to stocks moving lower and ultimately inflation concerns rising.

— Leonie Kidd, CNBC, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of trap

Verb

Revenue was only around $8 billion at the time, and the league was enmeshed in controversy, from Spygate to concussion hearings to a pending lockout.

— Will Leitch, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2026
The Commission is currently enmeshed in a legal tangle with Walt Disney Co and ABC.

— Brian Steinberg, Variety, 30 Aug. 2026

Definition of enmesh

Verb

Brought to the United States at age 1, Sanchez-Corona went to Shawnee Mission schools and has a tattoo of the Mexico and American flags intertwined.

— Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 9 Sep. 2026
That reading is particularly potent with a difficult reelection campaign looming in August 2027, when economic frustration and the search for politically convenient targets could become increasingly intertwined.

— Vivianne Wandera, semafor.com, 9 Sep. 2026

Definition of intertwine

Verb

For the difficult and dangerous business of selling secrets—the challenge of finding a buyer, the constant fear of getting betrayed or entrapped—BlackNet would do what eBay did for the garage sale.

— Finn Brunton, Harpers Magazine, 1 Sep. 2026
Democrats called the hearing a politically motivated attempt at entrapping Fauci and praised the scientist for his work during the pandemic.

— Lauran Neergaard, Fortune, 29 July 2026

Definition of entrap

Verb

The challenge is to ensure that Tehran does not choose to respond to its worsening position by escalating its attacks and starting another regionwide conflict that ensnares the United States.

— JAMES F. JEFFREY, Foreign Affairs, 3 Sep. 2026
But Musk’s particular vulnerability now extends far beyond the boardroom, potentially ensnaring millions of mom-and-pop investors now exposed to one or both companies through index funds.

— Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 2 Sep. 2026

Definition of ensnare

Browse Nearby Words

entails

entangle

entangled

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Entangle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entangle. Accessed 12 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of entangle

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

hobnob

Popular in Grammar & Usage

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Words from the 'Odyssey'

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Popular

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Back to School Vocabulary

Games & Quizzes