capture 1 of 2

verb

Definition of capturenext
1
as in to win
to receive as return for effort the movie's producers captured several awards for their work

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly captured the cat just as it was about to escape out the front door

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

capture

2 of 2

noun

ˈkap-chər How to pronounce capture (audio)
as in prisoner
one that has been taken and held in confinement a Spanish treasure ship was the most valuable capture ever taken by that privateer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb capture contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of capture are bag, catch, ensnare, entrap, snare, and trap. While all these words mean "to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing," capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

In what contexts can bag take the place of capture?

In some situations, the words bag and capture are roughly equivalent. However, bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

When is catch a more appropriate choice than capture?

The words catch and capture are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding.

caught the dog as it ran by

How do entrap and ensnare relate to one another, in the sense of capture?

Both entrap and ensnare more often are figurative.

entrapped the witness with a trick question
a sting operation that ensnared burglars

How is trap related to other words for capture?

Trap, snare, entrap, and 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

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 capture
Verb
Egwene, however, is captured, and Nynaeve and Elayne infiltrate the city of Falme in order to rescue her. —Leigh Butler, TIME, 13 Mar. 2025 Saturday Night Live alum Rachel Dratch captured a photo of them all onstage together. —Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 13 Mar. 2025
Noun
Then, at the crucial moment of the capture, something switched in her mind. —Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 27 Feb. 2025 Errors during data capture are not just carried forward; they are amplified by AI, leading to flawed insights and decisions. —Amy Gu, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for capture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capture
  1. win
  2. grab
  3. prisoner
  4. earn
  5. catch
  6. gain
  7. seize
  8. reap
Verb
  • This is the third of four meetings this season between the Nuggets and Lakers, with the teams each winning on the road.
    — Mark Davis, Newsweek, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Michigan State, the conference’s regular-season champs, had won eight in a row.
    — Michael Marot, Chicago Tribune, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of win
Verb
  • He’s minimized the walks, partly due to his willingness to use his curveball early in counts for strikes to get ahead and grab count leverage.
    — Fabian Ardaya, The Athletic, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Oh my God, so amazing to grab that artist for Charlotte. ...
    — Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of grab
Noun
  • Elijah’s time in uniform comes to an ignominious end when the Union takes him prisoner.
    — Alison Herman, Variety, 10 Mar. 2025
  • Check out the crumbling cell blocks, bell tower, and stone walls topped with broken glass—once used to keep prisoners inside.
    — Laura Begley Bloom, AFAR Media, 10 Mar. 2025
Definition of prisoner
Verb
  • Other album covers shot by Greene included the Pointer Sister’s 1974 record That’s a Plenty, earning Greene a Grammy Nomination for Best Album Cover.
    — Greg Evans, Deadline, 6 Mar. 2025
  • Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers.
    — Olivia Lidbury, Vogue, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of earn
Verb
  • How To Solve Today’s Wordle The Hint: Pursue in order to catch.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes, 13 Mar. 2025
  • Gordon did score Newcastle’s second goal that night, when Quansah’s lack of familiarity with the role caught him out.
    — Andy Jones, The Athletic, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of catch
Verb
  • Apple Intelligence is gaining features apace, but there’s one that was announced last June and expected in April this year—an enhanced Siri with greater personalization and the capability to do a lot more.
    — David Phelan, Forbes, 7 Mar. 2025
  • In related hiring, transportation and warehousing employment gained 18,000 jobs in February.
    — Vicki M. Young, Sourcing Journal, 7 Mar. 2025
Definition of gain
Verb
  • Trump’s executive order about seized bitcoin mostly stayed within executive purview, but bigger moves will demand broader buy-in.
    — Dave Birnbaum, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2025
  • The area around the strait in the past has seen Iran seize commercial ships and purportedly launch attacks since President Donald Trump first unilaterally withdrew America from Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers.
    — Graham Underwood, arkansasonline.com, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of seize
Verb
  • To reap the benefits of infrared light without the risk, Seheult recommended going outside and covering up for about 30 minutes, even in the morning or evening while the sun is setting.
    — Angelica Stabile, Fox News, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Davidson’s home state produces more than a million gallons of wine a year, and could reap the benefits of the tariffs.
    — Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 14 Mar. 2025
Definition of reap

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Cite this Entry

“Capture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capture. Accessed 20 Mar. 2025.

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