1
as in ambush
a device or scheme for capturing another by surprise
undercover agents devised a trap to catch the counterfeiters a bear trap
Synonyms & Similar Words
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2
as in ambushment
a setup in which hidden attackers lie in wait
an overland route to the Far East that was once notorious for the many robbers who laid traps for unsuspecting wayfarers
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3
as in tangle
something that catches and holds
the promotion is really just a trap to keep her from taking a new job elsewhere
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
as in to tangle
to catch or hold as if in a net
an ambitious young man who was now trapped in a series of shady business deals
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly
finally trapped the annoying fly in the palm of his hand
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of trap
Heather Bien, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
Use simple, chemical-free methods, such as soapy water traps or essential oils, to safely remove crickets indoors.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 16 May 2026
Matt Schooley, CBS News, 18 May 2026
If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.
—Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for trap
Noun
Some companion plants are either trap plants, which will distract the bugs, or plants that will repel them with their scent.
—Heather Bien, Southern Living, 16 May 2026
Use simple, chemical-free methods, such as soapy water traps or essential oils, to safely remove crickets indoors.
—Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 16 May 2026
Verb
Two people were trapped inside the car following the crash.
—Matt Schooley, CBS News, 18 May 2026
If you are trapped by moving water, move to the highest possible point and call 911 if possible.
—Kansas City Star Weather Bot, Kansas City Star, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for trap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trap
Noun
-
Modern technology lets pitchers experiment with grips and spins to create gnarly movement and ambush batters with off-speed action.—
Louisa Thomas,
New Yorker,
17 May 2026
-
Despite the groups’ divergent ideologies, the cooperation appears to have produced clear tactical convergence, including town takeovers, the use of suicide bombings, and sniper and ambush tactics.—
Amira Jadoon,
The Conversation,
13 May 2026
Noun
-
Scratched carpets are buried under tangles of wires and computing gear.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
11 May 2026
-
Electrical outlets and power strips Outlets, surge protectors and the tangle of cords behind an entertainment center collect more dust than people realize.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Charlotte Observer,
8 May 2026
Noun
-
This is far from the first time Crow-Armstrong has courted controversy by running his mouth.—
Alejandro Avila OutKick,
FOXNews.com,
18 May 2026
-
Diving instructor Gianluca Benedetti’s body was found at the mouth of the cave, leading authorities to believe the other four remain inside, Shareef said.—
Laura Sharman,
CNN Money,
17 May 2026
Verb
-
At least one person was entrapped in the wreckage, according to the Forney Police Department.—
Steven Rosenbaum,
CBS News,
12 Mar. 2026
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Grunion may be taken by hand only — no appliances of any kind may be used, and no holes may be dug in the beach to entrap them.—
Laylan Connelly,
Oc Register,
4 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Denise ascended the stairs, yelling at Djena all the way up, then grabbed Djena by the collar and began hitting her.—
Yudhijit Bhattacharjee,
New Yorker,
18 May 2026
-
To make one, grab a clean, thick sock (preferably a larger one) and fill it with uncooked rice, oats, or flaxseed.—
Caroline Lubinsky,
Martha Stewart,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Tonya Lee Jaynes, the drummer, puts her entire life force into the bass and snare.—
Christopher Buchanan,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
-
The beats are stiffly period-appropriate, repurposing Shawty Redd snare rolls, bouncy Zaytoven keys, and snap music low end without flourish.—
Stephen Kearse,
Pitchfork,
21 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As the United States has escalated its attacks on Iran, there’s something pleasingly transgressive about bringing Iranian elements into such overtly Western music—so much so that the songs without Yaghmai’s playing seem a little subdued in comparison.—
Molly Mary O’Brien,
Pitchfork,
15 May 2026
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This one way attack drone is aimed at delivering affordable mass capabilities and is engineered for adaptability, and autonomous operations.—
Aditya Jadhav,
Interesting Engineering,
15 May 2026
Noun
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The pair helped the sick find medicine and guided others through the labyrinth of municipal bureaucracy.—
Kate Linthicum,
Los Angeles Times,
18 May 2026
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This 277-mile labyrinth of red crag in northern Arizona is like an ancient time capsule, with rocks on the canyon floor dating back some 2 billion years—well before the dinosaurs.—
Stephanie Vermillion,
Travel + Leisure,
17 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Trap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trap. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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