CAPTURE Synonyms: 130 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'capture' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of capture are bag , catch , ensnare , entrap , snare , and trap . While all these words mean "to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing," capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty. // capture an enemy stronghold

Q: In what contexts can 'bag' take the place of 'capture'?

In some situations, the words bag and capture are roughly equivalent. However, bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey. // bagged a brace of pheasants

Q: When is 'catch' a more appropriate choice than 'capture'?

The words catch and capture are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding. // caught the dog as it ran by

Q: How do 'entrap' and 'ensnare' relate to one another, in the sense of 'capture'?

Both entrap and ensnare more often are figurative. // entrapped the witness with a trick question // a sting operation that ensnared burglars

Q: How is 'trap' related to other words for 'capture'?

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

capture 1 of 2

verb

Definition of capture next

as in to win

to receive as return for effort the movie's producers captured several awards for their work

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to grab

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly captured the cat just as it was about to escape out the front door

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capture

2 of 2

noun

ˈkap-chər

as in prisoner

one that has been taken and held in confinement a Spanish treasure ship was the most valuable capture ever taken by that privateer

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Synonym Chooser

How does the verb capture contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of capture are bag, catch, ensnare, entrap, snare, and trap. While all these words mean "to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing," capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

In what contexts can bag take the place of capture?

In some situations, the words bag and capture are roughly equivalent. However, bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

When is catch a more appropriate choice than capture?

The words catch and capture are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding.

caught the dog as it ran by

How do entrap and ensnare relate to one another, in the sense of capture?

Both entrap and ensnare more often are figurative.

entrapped the witness with a trick question

a sting operation that ensnared burglars

How is trap related to other words for capture?

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

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 capture

Verb

Authorities are reviewing a video apparently posted online by one of the suspects in Monday's deadly shooting at the Islamic Center of San Diego that appears to capture a livestream of the attack and its aftermath, sources told ABC News. —

Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 19 May 2026 Crow-Armstrong's exchange with the fan was captured on video and widely shared on social media. —

CBS News, 19 May 2026

Noun

Okonedo captures that steeliness well, communicating the oppressive nature of the character’s life within the context of Nigerian society. —

Lovia Gyarkye, HollywoodReporter, 16 May 2026 While those behind the recent maritime raids have yet to be identified, previous ship captures have often involved young Somalis from impoverished communities and armed extremists affiliated with global terror networks. —

Nimi Princewill, CNN Money, 15 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for capture

Recent Examples of Synonyms for capture

Verb

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms won the Democratic nomination for governor on Tuesday, stunning the field by avoiding the runoff her rivals had hoped would expose lingering doubts about her ability to win in November.

— Greg Bluestein, AJC.com, 20 May 2026
Occupying four townhouses, its two-year refurbishment by award-winning architects Holland Harvey and interior designers Studio Est and Studio Mica has created something warm and true to its heritage yet modern, nature-focused and committed to social impact.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 20 May 2026

Definition of win

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captors

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“Capture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capture. Accessed 21 May. 2026.

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