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 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 The second method for estimating water in the parent melt uses the melt entrapped in minerals of CE6 basalts. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 16 July 2025 She was also found guilty of disorderly conduct for supposedly trying to seduce an undercover policewoman named Margaret Leonard, who’d been assigned to entrap her. Kellie B. Gormly, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for entrap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entrap
Verb
  • If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.
    CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 5 Sep. 2025
  • Emergency crews—including police, firefighters, and paramedics—rushed to the scene, deploying 62 rescuers and 22 vehicles to assist survivors trapped in the wreckage, local media reports.
    Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • This little case keeps rings, necklaces, and earrings neatly tucked away, so nothing gets tangled—or worse, left behind.
    Kayla Kitts, Travel + Leisure, 7 Sep. 2025
  • The sides had been tangling over the evidence since March, when the judge held a Frye hearing to determine whether the new type of DNA testing should be admissible.
    Michael Ruiz , Jennifer Johnson, FOXNews.com, 6 Sep. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Entrap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entrap. Accessed 10 Sep. 2025.

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