1
as in ambush
a device or scheme for capturing another by surprise
undercover agents devised a trap to catch the counterfeiters a bear trap
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in ambushment
a setup in which hidden attackers lie in wait
an overland route to the Far East that was once notorious for the many robbers who laid traps for unsuspecting wayfarers
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in tangle
something that catches and holds
the promotion is really just a trap to keep her from taking a new job elsewhere
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to tangle
to catch or hold as if in a net
an ambitious young man who was now trapped in a series of shady business deals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
finally trapped the annoying fly in the palm of his hand
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of trap
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2025
Worse still, some unsubscribe links are malicious traps designed to steal personal information or distribute malware.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Georgea Kovanis, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Nanang Sigit, lead search and rescue coordinator, told the AP that rescuers had been running oxygen to those still trapped under the debris to keep them alive.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for trap
Noun
These slots acted as tiny metallic traps for light, tuning it to the frequency of the phonons.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 30 Sep. 2025
Worse still, some unsubscribe links are malicious traps designed to steal personal information or distribute malware.
—Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 30 Sep. 2025
Verb
Terrified that Josie was trapped inside the burning church building, Michelle tried to get back inside to search for her daughter.
—Georgea Kovanis, Freep.com, 1 Oct. 2025
Nanang Sigit, lead search and rescue coordinator, told the AP that rescuers had been running oxygen to those still trapped under the debris to keep them alive.
—Helen Regan, CNN Money, 1 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for trap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trap
Noun
-
What happened Tuesday was an ambush by the potent Dodgers, who rolled to a 10-5 win in Game 1 of the best-of-three series.—
C. Trent Rosecrans,
New York Times,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Under an imperial decree, her captors become unlikely allies, guiding Jewish refugees through ambushes, shifting alliances and treacherous waters, while Sara confronts leadership, loyalty and love at a high cost.—
Ben Croll,
Variety,
29 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Millions of miles of flying feels like an adequate amount of time to observe travelers struggle with bulky items, search endlessly for a gadget in a tangle of monochromatic accessories, and look longingly at their seatmate who seems to have it all together.—
Carin Ryan,
Travel + Leisure,
4 Oct. 2025
-
Whether the Northen Sea Route catches on depends on a tangle of factors.—
Laura Paddison,
CNN Money,
3 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
Sanders actually pantomimed his answers, moving his mouth with no words coming out and smiling throughout.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
1 Oct. 2025
-
Bolding responds as his daughter takes a step back and puts a hand over her mouth.—
Hannah Sacks,
PEOPLE,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
The Eagles, at times, struggled to entrap the eighth-year veteran quarterback.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
-
Hazard: Dressers can tip over and entrap children if not anchored to a wall, violating the STURDY Act standards.—
MSNBC Newsweek,
MSNBC Newsweek,
27 Sep. 2025
Verb
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The ball popped up in the air and Bolton was there to grab it, except he was hit by teammate Drue Tranquill.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
7 Oct. 2025
-
Sasaki was the necessary answer on Monday night, coming in to secure the final out and avoid disaster as Freddie Freeman sprawled out to grab Tommy Edman’s final throw to first base.—
Fabian Ardaya,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
Noun
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It’s also brilliantly arranged, from the chiming guitar on the intro to the way the rhythm section makes its entrance (McCartney-esque bassline and rat-a-tat snare) before pulling back on the chorus, where Ruess’ vocal appears to be floating in space on a bed of keyboards and piano.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
26 Sep. 2025
-
Daugherty put the snare around the animal.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The confirmation of drones over Germany comes as NATO's Denmark investigates a wave of drone disruption to its airports that officials have characterized as a hybrid attack, and coincides with Estonian, Polish, and Romanian accusations against Russia of serious airspace incursions.—
Robert Birsel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
1 Oct. 2025
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Overseas activists have tried to deliver aid in the past to Gaza but have either been intercepted by Israeli forces or come under some form of attack.—
Billy Stockwell,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
Noun
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What was supposed to be a quick stop turned into a labyrinth of family secrets and lies Tommy thought were long buried.—
Rosy Cordero,
Deadline,
2 Oct. 2025
-
Also, any excuse to watch Bill Nighy, who stars as Doctor Lazarus, whose death plunges his forensic psychologist son (Sam Clafin) into a labyrinth of family mysteries.—
Emily Temple
September 30,
Literary Hub,
30 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Trap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trap. Accessed 7 Oct. 2025.
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