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

Examples of entrap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Those entrapped included a Kashmiri man named Azad Yousuf Kumar, a 31-year-old engineering graduate from Pulwama, who left last December after a YouTuber offered him a job in Dubai. —Astha Rajvanshi, TIME, 9 Aug. 2024

One fatality involved a three-month-old placed in a lounger on top of an adult bed, who was found fatally entrapped between the bed and bedroom wall in 2021. —Kate Gibson, CBS News, 15 Aug. 2024

By the season’s end, viewers learn of Agatha’s sorcerer identity and Maximoff entraps Agatha as her Westview persona Agnes. —Kalia Richardson, Rolling Stone, 8 July 2024

Teach children to stay away from pool drains or suction devices, which can entrap swimmers’ hair or limbs. —Kris Nagel, Fortune Well, 1 July 2024