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
• 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

Optical atomic clocks, which use intersecting laser beams to entrap and monitor the atoms, are currently accurate down to 1 attosecond, or a billionth of a billionth of a second. —IEEE Spectrum, 20 Dec. 2025

Getting young people to trust and depend on the traffickers is part of entrapping them. —Anne P. Deprince, The Conversation, 17 Dec. 2025

This superb thriller about an obsessed fan (Kathy Bates) who rescues, and then entraps, a best-selling author (James Caan) still stands as an edge-of-your-seat experience. —Julie Hinds, Freep.com, 15 Dec. 2025

The gases from boiling might have a number of effects, such as the formation of clathrates — complex icy structures that entrap gas molecules. —Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 25 Nov. 2025