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 Edward tentatively goes into another room and returns naked save for the mask entrapping his face. Angelica Jade Bastién, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2025 His playbook of operations was called the Trout Memo – after the fly-fishing technique designed to entrap trout. Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 17 Jan. 2025 Unlike technology companies that work to ensnare (and monetize) our attention, Foreman entrapped our bodies only to liberate our minds. Ashley Lee, Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2025 In the initial announcement about the plan to vacate the convictions of felons entrapped by crack-selling stings in Broward County, the convicts were told not to contact the State Attorney's Office or the Broward Sheriff's Office. Rafael Olmeda, Sun Sentinel, 3 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entrap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for entrap
Verb
  • This atmospheric river had been hovering over the Southeast for days, trapped by a strong high pressure system, before inching its way north.
    John Bacon, USA Today, 15 May 2025
  • Here's What the Director Has Teased Jack Nicholson's Son Ray Channels Dad's Creepy Grin in 'Smile 2' However, this victory is revealed to be a hallucination; in reality, Rose remains trapped within the house, and the entity overpowers her.
    Jane LaCroix, People.com, 15 May 2025
Verb
  • These are our favorite buds that will never, ever get tangled.
    Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 17 May 2025
  • Along with tarpon, visitors can tangle inshore with snook, sea trout and redfish, or head out to the passes among the islands of Captiva, North Captiva and Boca Grande.
    Steve Waters, Miami Herald, 16 May 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Entrap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entrap. Accessed 25 May. 2025.

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