ENSNARE Synonyms: 28 Similar and Opposite Words

ensnare

verb

in-ˈsner

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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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 On Netflix April 24, 2026 | Action Thriller A grieving woman testing her limits in the Australian wilderness is suddenly ensnared in a deadly game with a ruthless predator. —

Matt Grobar, Deadline, 7 Jan. 2026 Governors, speakers and cabinet officials ensnared in scandal routinely resigned. —

Brandon Rottinghaus, Washington Post, 7 Jan. 2026 Chasing records can be a trap that ensnares parks from commissioning more engaging and enduring coaster designs. —

Robert Niles, Oc Register, 6 Jan. 2026 Governors, speakers and cabinet officials ensnared in scandal routinely resigned. —

Brandon Rottinghaus, The Conversation, 5 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for ensnare

Recent Examples of Synonyms for ensnare

Verb

At the landfill site dozens of rescuers scrambled overnight in search of people trapped.

— CNN Money, CNN Money, 9 Jan. 2026
How much is a trapping license in Kentucky?

— Hannah Pinski, Louisville Courier Journal, 9 Jan. 2026