ensnarl

verb

en·​snarl in-ˈsnär(-ə)l How to pronounce ensnarl (audio)
en-
ensnarled; ensnarling; ensnarls
Synonyms of ensnarlnext

transitive verb

: to involve in a snarl

Synonyms of ensnarl

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Examples of ensnarl in a Sentence

for two years the couple was ensnarled in the red tape of an international adoption
Recent Examples on the Web
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.
Election controversies in several swing-state counties have the potential to ensnarl the presidential race. — John Riley, USA TODAY, 19 Oct. 2024 Other common problems can quickly be solved by wiping off the optical sensors with a soft cloth, unclogging the vacuum chute when Legos have gotten stuck inside, and cutting off long hair that has ensnarled the roller or side brushes. — WIRED, 24 Mar. 2023 Eastbound 580 traffic remained reduced to three lanes and severe congestion began to ensnarl the highway shortly after 1:30 p.m. Wednesday. — Ricardo Cano, San Francisco Chronicle, 22 Mar. 2023 Those exact questions would divide state government and ensnarl Utah’s COVID-19 response in politics as hundreds, and then thousands, of Utahns fell ill while the coronavirus spread worldwide. — Bethany Rodgers, The Salt Lake Tribune, 27 Sep. 2021 See All Example Sentences for ensnarl

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of ensnarl was in the 15th century

Rhymes for ensnarl

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Browse Nearby Words

ensnaringly
ensnarl
En-Sof
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Cite this Entry

“Ensnarl.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ensnarl. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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