as in trapping
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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 ensnaring
And in that quest for unbridled growth, the AI industry has wrested ungodly amounts of capital from investors all looking for the next big thing, ensnaring the entire economy.
—
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
26 Mar. 2026
The upcoming April 7 vote over the renewal of Kansas City’s 1% earnings tax will mark one of the biggest tests of whether that opposition could risk ensnaring a critical resource for the city.
—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
25 Mar. 2026
And if a mother kept a piece of jasper on hand throughout her child’s infancy, they would both be protected from malign spirits of the air and from the tongue of the ancient serpent that was hell‑bent on ensnaring newborns.
—
Literary Hub,
18 Mar. 2026
After months of investigating allegations of a $140 million Ponzi scheme, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger's office has made numerous criminal referrals and issued $1 million in fines, ensnaring a number of state GOP figures.
—
Olivia Rubin,
ABC News,
26 Feb. 2026
More so, though, Levin took it upon himself to appeal directly to the person who wrote the note, at the very least cautioning them against ensnaring themselves in a federal crime.
—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
21 Feb. 2026
The Greek name is of uncertain origin, but it’s often linked to ideas of binding, entangling, or ensnaring—reflecting the Sirens’ deadly allure.
—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
31 Dec. 2025
Montespan’s rivals accused her of ensnaring the king using the dark art of potions.
—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
7 Nov. 2025
Out of her depth, Diane digs deeper into the investigation, her determination to uncover the truth revealing a web of corruption and danger at the highest levels, ensnaring Diane, her family and all those around her.
—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
Matteo Wong,
The Atlantic,
26 Mar. 2026
The upcoming April 7 vote over the renewal of Kansas City’s 1% earnings tax will mark one of the biggest tests of whether that opposition could risk ensnaring a critical resource for the city.
—
Kacen Bayless,
Kansas City Star,
25 Mar. 2026
And if a mother kept a piece of jasper on hand throughout her child’s infancy, they would both be protected from malign spirits of the air and from the tongue of the ancient serpent that was hell‑bent on ensnaring newborns.
—
Literary Hub,
18 Mar. 2026
After months of investigating allegations of a $140 million Ponzi scheme, Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger's office has made numerous criminal referrals and issued $1 million in fines, ensnaring a number of state GOP figures.
—
Olivia Rubin,
ABC News,
26 Feb. 2026
More so, though, Levin took it upon himself to appeal directly to the person who wrote the note, at the very least cautioning them against ensnaring themselves in a federal crime.
—
Jami Ganz,
New York Daily News,
21 Feb. 2026
The Greek name is of uncertain origin, but it’s often linked to ideas of binding, entangling, or ensnaring—reflecting the Sirens’ deadly allure.
—
Erik Kain,
Forbes.com,
31 Dec. 2025
Montespan’s rivals accused her of ensnaring the king using the dark art of potions.
—
Hilton Als,
New Yorker,
7 Nov. 2025
Out of her depth, Diane digs deeper into the investigation, her determination to uncover the truth revealing a web of corruption and danger at the highest levels, ensnaring Diane, her family and all those around her.
—
Erik Pedersen,
Deadline,
7 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensnaring
Verb
-
While the 23-year-old was working in the trench, the trench collapsed, trapping him for a short while.
-
Ventless hoods don't have ductwork and include a charcoal filter for trapping smoke and odors so that air can be recirculated.
Verb
-
Its rear zipper pocket is a great way to keep charging cords from tangling around other items.
-
Recently, researchers in Germany developed a chain-launching drone interceptor that disables UAVs by tangling their spinning rotors midair.
Verb
-
Another one of the Tates’ lawyers filed a claim on Fisher’s behalf, accusing Hadley of entrapping him.
-
This might not be a circumstance where the AI would shine in aiding the mental health of the user (or, on the other side of the coin, deluding them and entrapping them).
Cite this Entry
“Ensnaring.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ensnaring. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
