ENSNARE Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

Q: 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

ensnare

verb

in-ˈsner

Definition of ensnare next

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

Relevance

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 Lucien works to ensnare Annie for his step-sister, who is desperate to use her name to save Greek life’s place at the top of the social hierarchy, but then Lucien begins to exhibit real romantic feelings. —

Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter, 20 Nov. 2024 Once ensnared in the quest for a 240Z, buyers will learn that examples made up through 1971 are regarded as the most desirable, as EPA and DOT regulations began to rear their ugly head by 1972. —

Robert Ross, Robb Report, 10 Jan. 2025 The mayor has seen many of his top advisors resign in recent months after they were ensnared in various corruption investigations of their own. —

Chris Sommerfeldt, New York Daily News, 9 Jan. 2025 The lack of a formal recommendation cleared the way for Mr. Biden, barring an unexpected change of heart, to end a transaction that became ensnared in election-year politics. —

Alan Rappeport, New York Times, 3 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for ensnare

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensnare

Verb

By trapping itself within the Paris framework, the U.S. was playing along with Chinese ambitions, positioning itself to squander America’s natural energy advantage, and inflicting terrible harm on its auto sector.

— The Editors, National Review, 27 Jan. 2025
Vehicles trapped in mud Four vehicles were trapped in mud along Mulholland Drive, around the 4100 block of Alhama Drive in Woodland Hills, Sunday evening.

— Rong-Gong Lin II, Los Angeles Times, 27 Jan. 2025