Synonyms of entrap

entrap

verb

in-ˈtrap 

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

• trap
• tangle
• ensnare
• enmesh
• entangle
• mesh
• snare
• involve
• capture
• net
• catch up
• immesh
• implicate
• ensnarl
• entoil
• embroil
• birdlime
• collar
• mire
• bag

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• disentangle
• extricate
• detach
• disengage
• liberate
• untangle
• free
• clear

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

Recent Examples of entrap

Edward tentatively goes into another room and returns naked save for the mask entrapping his face. —Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2025

And some white citizens tried to help the victims: In 1870, Otis Gibson, a missionary, established a home to which entrapped young women could flee. —Steve Inskeep, New York Times, 29 Apr. 2025

Most horror flicks entrap their characters in one location or put them in some sort of unique, tense situation (think: satanic possession, or pissing off the wrong truck driver, attracting the wrong person, etc.), but in Final Destination, Death works with the great mundane canvas of ordinary life. —Bilge Ebiri, Vulture, 16 May 2025

Early motherhood entraps them—and their children—in a bleak socioeconomic cycle that’s almost impossible to break. —Elise Taylor, Vogue, 30 Apr. 2025