traps 1 of 2

Definition of trapsnext
plural of trap
1
2
as in ambushments
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 tangles
something that catches and holds the promotion is really just a trap to keep her from taking a new job elsewhere

Synonyms & Similar Words

4
as in mouths
slang the opening through which food passes into the body of an animal shut your trap before someone belts you one!

Synonyms & Similar Words

traps

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of trap

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 traps
Noun
Rather than relying solely on poison, the researchers recommend combining multiple control methods, including sealing entry points, improving sanitation, removing food sources and using traps. Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 26 June 2026 Meanwhile, tech stock traders are tiptoeing around mouse traps, eager to get through June without losing an appendage. David Goldman, CNN Money, 26 June 2026
Verb
There is a sticky glue board inside that traps the pests, too. Bestreviews, Mercury News, 9 June 2026 Microfiber actually traps it, thanks to a static charge that pulls particles in and holds onto them. Angela Haupt, Time, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for traps
Recent Examples of Synonyms for traps
Noun
  • By his spiritual discernment, the prophet Elisha was repeatedly able to warn the king of Israel about ambushes planned by the king of Syria.
    Liesl Ehmke, Christian Science Monitor, 29 June 2026
  • Cuba also maintains elite forces trained for counter-special-operations missions, guerrilla warfare, ambushes, sabotage and close protection of senior leaders.
    Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 28 May 2026
Noun
  • The British Army also provided protection from attacks by Native American tribes, giving many settlers little reason to support a rebellion.
    Hank Tester, CBS News, 1 July 2026
  • Twice in recent days, the United States has launched retaliatory strikes on Iran following drone attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
    Francesca Chambers, USA Today, 30 June 2026
Noun
  • This Levoit vacuum just dropped under $200, and its impressive ability to pick up hair without any tangles is a pet owner’s dream.
    Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 June 2026
  • Tuohy found that only our top overall robovac pick, the Matic, did a better job on hard surfaces, while the Saros 20’s DuoDivide brush is designed to resist hair tangles, reducing the amount of maintenance required.
    Sheena Vasani, The Verge, 23 June 2026
Noun
  • Other players have covered their mouths while speaking to opponents during the World Cup, but a red card is only issued if the conversation occurs during a confrontation or heated exchange.
    Eduard Cauich, Los Angeles Times, 1 July 2026
  • What righty Cade Cavalli shouted at Willson Contreras drifted into the Boston night, fading just beyond the field’s ears and scarcely repeated by the mouths of those who heard.
    Noah White, Washington Post, 1 July 2026
Verb
  • The hallmarks of the Navy Blue sound are present—barely-there snares keeping time in the distance, string samples melting into reflective puddles, overtones from resonant piano lines.
    Dash Lewis, Pitchfork, 10 June 2026
  • Hair snares use tape and wire to collect DNA and other data by collecting a sample of wild animal hair when creatures pass by, according to Popular Science.
    Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • What actually cuts through and grabs attention nowadays is humanity, clarity and credibility in messaging.
    Maureen Burke, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
  • When Martinez throws something back, the woman rushes toward her, throws her to the ground, grabs her by the hair and repeatedly attacks her as bystanders try to step in and help.
    Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 25 June 2026
Noun
  • Sanders catches more than fish in his nets, of course.
    Amy Drew Thompson, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 June 2026
  • The father wanted nets and the smell of the wharf.
    Anthony Scaramucci, Fortune, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • 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

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Cite this Entry

“Traps.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/traps. Accessed 4 Jul. 2026.

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