entrap

as in to trap
to catch or hold as if in a net a string of inconsistent statements and outright lies that finally entrapped the witness

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb entrap contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of entrap are bag, capture, catch, ensnare, snare, and trap. While all these words mean "to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing," entrap and ensnare more often are figurative.

entrapped the witness with a trick question
a sting operation that ensnared burglars

When might bag be a better fit than entrap?

The words bag and entrap are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

When could capture be used to replace entrap?

The meanings of capture and entrap largely overlap; however, capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

When is catch a more appropriate choice than entrap?

In some situations, the words catch and entrap are roughly equivalent. However, catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding.

caught the dog as it ran by

How does the word trap relate to other synonyms for entrap?

Trap, snare, entrap, and ensnare imply seizing by some device that holds the one caught at the mercy of the captor. Trap and snare apply more commonly to physical seizing.

trap animals
snared butterflies with a net

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 entrap In this version, Washington stars as the head of Stackin’ Records, who gets entrapped in a ransom plot. Savannah Salazar, Vulture, 16 Aug. 2025 Officers observed a person entrapped inside one of the vehicles, according to police. Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 15 Aug. 2025 These situations provide an ideal opportunity for evil doers to set up bogus charities to entrap unsuspecting people. Norman B. Gildin, Sun Sentinel, 14 Aug. 2025 In February 2021, a Martian meteorite with the planet’s atmosphere entrapped in it went under the hammer at Christie’s auction house. Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for entrap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entrap
Verb
  • If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.
    NC Weather Bot, Charlotte Observer, 2 Oct. 2025
  • Many moths, attracted to the ultraviolet lights, were captured during a light-trapping excursion near Malles Venosta, Italy.
    IEEE Spectrum, IEEE Spectrum, 2 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Biologists use it, too, to understand the way proteins in our cells tangle up and to create effective gene-editing technologies.
    Emma R. Hasson, Scientific American, 3 Oct. 2025
  • The parachute relies on a single suspension line rather than many cords, which reduces tangling and speeds up deployment.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Entrap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entrap. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.

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