1
as in netting
a fabric made of strands loosely twisted, knotted, or woven together at regular intervals
the basketball didn't go into the basket—it just hit the net
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in trap
a device or scheme for capturing another by surprise
drug runners caught in an elaborate net set by the police
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in profit
the amount of money left when expenses are subtracted from the total amount received
his net for the year was about 60% of his total income
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in root
the central part or aspect of something under consideration
the net of the report on race relations is that things are better but not good enough
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to trap
to catch or hold as if in a net
the kite was stubbornly netted in the branches of the willow tree
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
a police sting that netted drug dealers from all parts of the city
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 net
Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
The discoveries in Bone Lake and the Mississippi River meant investigators would have to cast a wide net in regards to identifying both the victim and potential suspects.
—Sarah Dahlberg, NBC news, 12 June 2025
Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
Chicken wire fencing, plant cages, and netting provide effective physical barriers that deter rabbits from nibbling on your blooms.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for net
Noun
But now, disappointed with the pace of arrests, the Trump administration is casting a wider net by targeting anyone deportable.
—Andrea Castillo, Los Angeles Times, 12 June 2025
The discoveries in Bone Lake and the Mississippi River meant investigators would have to cast a wide net in regards to identifying both the victim and potential suspects.
—Sarah Dahlberg, NBC news, 12 June 2025
Verb
State troopers have been busy on state roads and highways this Memorial Day weekend and have made 611 traffic stops that have netted 16 arrests for alleged driving under the influence, according to Connecticut State Police.
—Sean Krofssik, Hartford Courant, 25 May 2025
Chicken wire fencing, plant cages, and netting provide effective physical barriers that deter rabbits from nibbling on your blooms.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, Southern Living, 21 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for net
Cite this Entry
“Net.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/net. Accessed 18 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share