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

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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

Examples 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 Gibbons-Shapiro said in many cases, the scam involves multiple people, many of them from Southeast Asia where human trafficking victims are also forced to ensnare victims through texting and fake financial websites. —

Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 12 Dec. 2024 The big picture: The report from Inspector General Michael Horowitz undercuts the false claim among President-elect Trump's supporters and allies that a covert intelligence effort facilitated the infamous attack to ensnare the MAGA movement. —

Avery Lotz, Axios, 12 Dec. 2024 As Aidala angles to become Brooklyn’s next top federal prosecutor, several individuals connected to Adams are ensnared in investigations conducted by Peace’s office. —

Molly Crane-Newman, New York Daily News, 4 Dec. 2024 The club reopened in 2021, but lost its trademark that same year, got ensnared in labor disputes, and shuttered, seemingly for good, in the spring of 2023, after the default. —

Bruce Handy, The New Yorker, 2 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for ensnare

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensnare

Verb

They are trapped inside Lumon's offices, doomed to work on a dull yet mysterious project, never to see the light of day—until, late in the show's first season, the workers decide to rebel.

Eliana Dockterman, TIME, 15 Jan. 2025
If the fire started on the top of the hill, you’d really be trapped with all that incredible greenery.

Ali MacGraw, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Jan. 2025