ensnare

verb

in-ˈsner How to pronounce ensnare (audio)
Definition of ensnarenext
as in to trap
to catch or hold as if in a net parked just out of view, the state trooper was lying in wait to ensnare unwary speeders

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb ensnare contrast with its synonyms?

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

When can bag be used instead of ensnare?

While in some cases nearly identical to ensnare, bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

When is it sensible to use capture instead of ensnare?

In some situations, the words capture and ensnare are roughly equivalent. However, capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

When could catch be used to replace ensnare?

Although the words catch and ensnare have much in common, catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding.

caught the dog as it ran by

How are the words entrap and ensnare related?

Both entrap and ensnare more often are figurative.

entrapped the witness with a trick question
a sting operation that ensnared burglars

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 ensnare Swift was initially ensnared in the fight when Baldoni filed a dueling defamation lawsuit against Lively that included claims Swift was present during a pivotal meeting at Lively’s Tribeca penthouse that involved Lively’s efforts to make changes to the movie script. —Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 12 Sep. 2025 For example, the Osoed interceptor uses a net-launching mechanism to ensnare adversary UAVs at speeds up to 140 kilometers per hour. —Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025 Japan’s drug laws have ensnared other corporate executives before. —Nick Lichtenberg, Fortune, 2 Sep. 2025 After the car was ensnared on I-96 near Star Road, the driver continued to try to drive away, resulting in the rear wheels being ripped off the vehicle. —Jalen Williams, Freep.com, 29 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for ensnare
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensnare
  1. trap
  2. tangle
  3. entrap
Verb
  • The interior is easily wipeable and not baggy or creased in a way that might trap liquid or crumbs.
    — Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appetit Magazine, 18 Sep. 2025
  • If trapped by moving water, seek the highest possible point and contact emergency services by calling 911.
    — CA Weather Bot, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2025
Definition of trap
Verb
  • Tatum plays Jeffrey Manchester, a veteran tangled haplessly up in good intentions and a life of petty crime.
    — Taylor Antrim, Vogue, 12 Sep. 2025
  • He got tangled up in a rundown with two other future Hall of Famers, George Kell and Luis Aparicio.
    — Jon Paul Hoornstra, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 Sep. 2025
Definition of tangle
Verb
  • Hatt was ejected from the truck, and Winkler was entrapped.
    — Caroline Neal, Louisville Courier Journal, 26 Aug. 2025
  • That total lack of self-awareness and disregard for consequences fed right into Epstein’s warped way of entrapping others.
    — Stephanie Nolasco , Ashley Papa, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 2025
Definition of entrap

Browse Nearby Words

enslaving
ensnare
ensnared
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Ensnare.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensnare. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.

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Nglish: Translation of ensnare for Spanish Speakers

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