1
as in netting
a fabric made of strands loosely twisted, knotted, or woven together at regular intervals
the basketball didn't go into the basket—it just hit the net
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in trap
a device or scheme for capturing another by surprise
drug runners caught in an elaborate net set by the police
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1
as in profit
the amount of money left when expenses are subtracted from the total amount received
his net for the year was about 60% of his total income
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in root
the central part or aspect of something under consideration
the net of the report on race relations is that things are better but not good enough
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1
as in to trap
to catch or hold as if in a net
the kite was stubbornly netted in the branches of the willow tree
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
a police sting that netted drug dealers from all parts of the city
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of net
Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
De Paul had a great chance to seal the win in stoppage time but shanked an open-net opportunity over the crossbar.
—Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
On the other side of the living area was my and my husband’s room, with a king bed draped in netting, an en-suite bathroom with two stone sinks, live-edge wood counters, and a rain shower with a large window to outside, and a larger terrace with a hammock.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for net
Noun
But there have also been recent moments when Eklund has deferred a bit too often, opting for an extra pass when a shot on net would have been the better option.
—Curtis Pashelka, Mercury News, 9 Mar. 2026
De Paul had a great chance to seal the win in stoppage time but shanked an open-net opportunity over the crossbar.
—Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2026
Verb
In the first half, Bishop Fenwick took control with a 14-2 run to end the first quarter with a 19-7 lead as Boyle netted seven of her 15 points in the opening quarter.
—Brian Roach, Boston Herald, 10 Mar. 2026
On the other side of the living area was my and my husband’s room, with a king bed draped in netting, an en-suite bathroom with two stone sinks, live-edge wood counters, and a rain shower with a large window to outside, and a larger terrace with a hammock.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 10 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for net
Cite this Entry
“Net.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/net. Accessed 16 Mar. 2026.
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