catch 1 of 2

1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
as in to chase
to move fast enough to get even with despite the suspect's considerable lead, the fleet-footed police officer was able to catch him and make an arrest

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

catch

2 of 2

noun

1
as in hitch
a danger or difficulty that is hidden or not easily recognized the catch is that you have to come up with the money by tomorrow

Synonyms & Similar Words

2
3
as in haul
the total amount collected or obtained especially at one time the total catch for our day at the creek was six fish and a crab

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb catch contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of catch are bag, capture, ensnare, entrap, snare, and trap. While all these words mean "to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing," catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding.

caught the dog as it ran by

Where would bag be a reasonable alternative to catch?

The words bag and catch are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

When is capture a more appropriate choice than catch?

While the synonyms capture and catch are close in meaning, capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

How are the words entrap and ensnare related as synonyms of catch?

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 catch?

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 catch
Verb
That ridged texture is bound to catch the light and add some interesting dimensionality without becoming overwhelmed by it. Bailey Berg, Architectural Digest, 4 Apr. 2025 Some of the cars involved in the crash had caught fire and authorities are having trouble identifying them. Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 23 Mar. 2025
Noun
Last season with Texas, Golden was a do-it-all talent for the Longhorns, hauling in 58 catches for 987 yards and nine scores, and doing it in various fashions. MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Apr. 2025 The speedy Barclay took away a double with a sprinting catch in rightfield gap. Don Norcross, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for catch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch
Verb
  • There was not a vast gulf between the teams on Saturday but Wolves had the edge in terms of quality, none more so than substitute Pablo Sarabia, who stepped off the bench to grab a goal and an assist with an ice-cool finish and a clever pass for Strand Larsen.
    Steve Madeley, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • In the footage, Combs, wearing a robe, is seen kicking Ventura, grabbing her by the hair and throwing her to the ground before grabbing her suitcase and handbag.
    Kevin Dolak, HollywoodReporter, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Sign up for Entertainment Weekly's free newsletter to get the latest trailers, celebrity interviews, film reviews, and more.
    Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 3 Apr. 2025
  • This was Spoelstra’s team playing just eight when the game was in the balance and getting the best from all eight, including a season-high19 points from Kyle Anderson and 16 points from Pelle Larsson.
    Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Has Bacteria-Fighting Properties A study found that ACV helped stop the growth of two harmful bacteria: methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and resistant Escherichia coli (E. coli).
    Johna Burdeos, Health, 7 Apr. 2025
  • He belly flopped onto the ice in ecstasy and relief before he was mobbed by his teammates, and then the game stopped to celebrate the greatest goal scorer who ever lived.
    Chris Jones, The Atlantic, 6 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • His extension, on the other hand, represents a critical step forward, securing the Jays’ franchise cornerstone through 2039.
    Ken Rosenthal, New York Times, 7 Apr. 2025
  • By the end of episode six, Rick (Walton Goggins) and Frank (Sam Rockwell) manage to secure an invitation—under false pretenses—to the Bangkok residence of White Lotus co-owner Sritala Hollinger (Lek Patravadi) and her husband Jim (Scott Glenn).
    Abby Montanez, Robb Report, 7 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Here’s what to know about Booker’s marathon protest.
    Nik Popli, Time, 2 Apr. 2025
  • This was a problem for Sexton, best known for his roles in Bosch, The Killing and Deadwood who was offered a $595,000 deal for the role of Johnson.
    Winston Cho, HollywoodReporter, 1 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The Big Cat turned the tables on all those trolls for April Fool's Day and tricked plenty of them.
    Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
  • For example, Russian operatives reportedly tricked Ukrainian troops into giving access to their Signal accounts.
    Frederick Scholl, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • The Texas resident encountered the puppy in the desert, where she had been left behind by larger dogs after failing to keep up with them, according to a press release obtained by PEOPLE from Paws of War, which added that the trembling puppy immediately gravitated toward Ríos.
    Brian Anthony Hernandez, People.com, 5 Apr. 2025
  • What are the other four portals at Universal's Epic Universe? Celestial Park – The first-world guest will encounter.
    Samantha Neely, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • Whether Larry Fink is driving the debate or simply reacting, the omissions in the annual letter are worth noticing.
    Jon McGowan, Forbes.com, 31 Mar. 2025
  • This means not having their nose in their phone or earbuds in their ears when walking, but instead noticing other people and vehicles on the street.
    Sherri Gordon, Parents, 31 Mar. 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Catch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on catch

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!