1
as in knots
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
2
as in traps
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
3
as in complicates
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 entangles
The offering further entangles Musk’s various business ventures.
—
Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 2 Feb. 2026
Initially dismissed as an accident, Charles, Oliver and Mabel dive headfirst into the investigation, uncovering a sprawling conspiracy that stretches beyond the building’s walls and entangles New York’s old mob families with its newest billionaires.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Recognize how your energy entangles with your team, and create field conditions for inevitable success.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Bloomberg Wire, Dallas Morning News, 2 Feb. 2026
Initially dismissed as an accident, Charles, Oliver and Mabel dive headfirst into the investigation, uncovering a sprawling conspiracy that stretches beyond the building’s walls and entangles New York’s old mob families with its newest billionaires.
—Samantha Stutsman, PEOPLE, 9 Sep. 2025
Recognize how your energy entangles with your team, and create field conditions for inevitable success.
—Jodie Cook, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entangles
Verb
-
No matter how many knots a lawyer ties themselves in to get there, legality is not legitimacy.—
Jon Duffy,
Mercury News,
29 Nov. 2025
-
Stories like these usually lurch from one contrivance and complication to the next, but Chad Powers knots itself into a genuinely thorny conflict by the finale.—
Nicholas Quah,
Vulture,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Sokolowski says leaving it wet or bunched on the floor traps water and encourages mold, mildew, and odor, which break down fibers over time.—
Madeline Buiano,
Martha Stewart,
6 Feb. 2026
-
In the winter, warmer air sits above the valley level and colder air lowers to the valley floor, creating a lid that traps the fog, frequently for days or weeks.—
Janet Loehrke,
USA Today,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
That argument substantially complicates the policy and procedures surrounding IVF.—
Martin E. Comas,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Feb. 2026
-
The idea of paying kids for self-care somewhat complicates that picture.—
Hannah Nwoko,
Parents,
7 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Wire pin or slicker brushes work best for dogs with long hair that tangles easily.—
BestReviews,
Mercury News,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
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
Verb
-
Nigerian energy companies have ramped up oil production over the past year as the government intensifies its efforts to restart dormant refineries and monetize untapped gas reserves.—
Alexander Onukwue,
semafor.com,
9 Feb. 2026
-
When temperatures drop below 32 degrees after dark, the city activates enhanced Code Blue, which intensifies outreach and relaxes shelter rules to bring more people indoors.—
Jeffrey Ginsburg,
New York Daily News,
9 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Throughout, Tallent intertwines the sport’s esoteric lingo through his characters’ emotions, finding connections between the jargon and their own experiences and feelings.—
Stuart Miller,
Oc Register,
20 Jan. 2026
-
Preparing practice and game plans, as well as scouting opponents, intertwines with being joined at the hip with Ball as much as possible.—
Roderick Boone,
Charlotte Observer,
11 Jan. 2026
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
“Entangles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entangles. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
