ENTRAP Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of entrap are bag , capture , catch , ensnare , snare , and trap . While all these words mean "to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing," entrap and ensnare more often are figurative. // entrapped the witness with a trick question // a sting operation that ensnared burglars

Q: When might 'bag' be a better fit than 'entrap'?

The words bag and entrap are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey. // bagged a brace of pheasants

Q: When could 'capture' be used to replace 'entrap'?

The meanings of capture and entrap largely overlap; however, capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty. // capture an enemy stronghold

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

In some situations, the words catch and entrap are roughly equivalent. However, catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding. // caught the dog as it ran by

Q: How does the word 'trap' relate to other synonyms for 'entrap'?

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

entrap

verb

in-ˈtrap

Definition of entrap next

as in to trap

to catch or hold as if in a net a string of inconsistent statements and outright lies that finally entrapped the witness

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How does the verb entrap contrast with its synonyms?

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

entrapped the witness with a trick question

a sting operation that ensnared burglars

When might bag be a better fit than entrap?

The words bag and entrap are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

When could capture be used to replace entrap?

The meanings of capture and entrap largely overlap; however, capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

When is catch a more appropriate choice than entrap?

In some situations, the words catch and entrap are roughly equivalent. However, catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding.

caught the dog as it ran by

How does the word trap relate to other synonyms for entrap?

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 entrap 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 The gases from boiling might have a number of effects, such as the formation of clathrates — complex icy structures that entrap gas molecules. —

Charles Q. Choi, Space.com, 25 Nov. 2025 That included a sting to entrap Dexter Deacon (Dallas Roberts). —

Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 23 Nov. 2025 One of the most disturbing sequences on this show is Gacy luring in and entrapping 15-year-old Robert Piest (Ryker Baloun), whose disappearance is where the series starts. —

Derek Lawrence, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for entrap

Recent Examples of Synonyms for entrap

Verb

Consequently, those trapped either faced burning alive by the fire or death by bullets fired from the outside.

— Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Some complained about getting trapped in the same cash-bail system that had ensnared Caldwell.

— Charles Duhigg, New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2026

Definition of trap

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entrants

entrap

entrapment

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“Entrap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/entrap. Accessed 5 Feb. 2026.

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Last Updated: 31 Jan 2026 - Updated example sentences

Synonyms of entrap

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