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 Expert warns parents of online criminal network entrapping minors with 'lovebombing,' fake relationships Dr. Stephen Boyce, CEO and president of the Cyber Doctor and former forensic analyst with the FBI, discussed the '764' network with Fox News Digital. Sarah Rumpf-Whitten, FOXNews.com, 21 June 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for entrap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entrap
Verb
  • Two adults were pronounced dead at the scene, and one young female passenger was trapped inside the vehicle, authorities said.
    Sam Gillette, People.com, 7 Aug. 2025
  • What Causes Smelly Feet? According to WebMD, the main cause of smelly feet is trapped sweat.
    Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 7 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Netflix's The Sandman has love stories that are tangled, tragic and anything but ordinary — a stark contrast to the cast's real-life romances.
    Samantha Stutsman, People.com, 31 July 2025
  • And like so many New Orleans institutions, its story is tangled up with the history of the city, the music, the literature, and—of course—the drinks.
    Emily Price, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Entrap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entrap. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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