TRAP Synonyms: 137 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'trap' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of trap are bag , capture , catch , ensnare , entrap , and snare . 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 could 'bag' be used to replace 'trap'?

The words bag and trap can be used in similar contexts, but bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey. // bagged a brace of pheasants

Q: When is it sensible to use 'capture' instead of 'trap'?

While in some cases nearly identical to trap , capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty. // capture an enemy stronghold

Q: When might 'catch' be a better fit than 'trap'?

In some situations, the words catch and trap are roughly equivalent. However, catch implies the seizing of something in motion or in flight or in hiding. // caught the dog as it ran by

Q: How do 'entrap' and 'ensnare' relate to one another, in the sense of 'trap'?

Both entrap and ensnare more often are figurative. // entrapped the witness with a trick question // a sting operation that ensnared burglars

trap 1 of 2

noun

ˈtrap

Definition of trap next

as in ambush

a device or scheme for capturing another by surprise undercover agents devised a trap to catch the counterfeiters a bear trap

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

as in ambushment

a setup in which hidden attackers lie in wait an overland route to the Far East that was once notorious for the many robbers who laid traps for unsuspecting wayfarers

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in tangle

something that catches and holds the promotion is really just a trap to keep her from taking a new job elsewhere

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in mouth

slang the opening through which food passes into the body of an animal shut your trap before someone belts you one!

Synonyms & Similar Words

trap

2 of 2

verb

as in to tangle

to catch or hold as if in a net an ambitious young man who was now trapped in a series of shady business deals

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to grab

to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly finally trapped the annoying fly in the palm of his hand

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb trap contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of trap are bag, capture, catch, ensnare, entrap, and snare. 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 could bag be used to replace trap?

The words bag and trap can be used in similar contexts, but bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

When is it sensible to use capture instead of trap?

While in some cases nearly identical to trap, capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

When might catch be a better fit than trap?

In some situations, the words catch and trap are roughly equivalent. However, 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 trap?

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 trap

Noun

Inside the cage is Frank, who turns out to be the one who ate the seasoned compost and came back in the night for more before getting stuck in the trap, eventually falling asleep. —

Ile-Ife Okantah, Vulture, 8 Jan. 2025 The return-to-play process won’t look the same for everyone, but there are a few key tenets: track your pain, practice patience, fuel smartly, avoid the particularly insidious comparison trap, and celebrate your new wins. —

Christa Sgobba, SELF, 7 Jan. 2025

Verb

In Franklin County, Mississippi, more than 30 percent of utility customers are without power, and reports indicate at least one person was trapped in a home in Bude when a tree fell during a tornado. —

David Faris, Newsweek, 29 Dec. 2024 If possible, avoid using a broom to sweep up broken glass, as shards can get trapped in the bristles. —

Jolie Kerr, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for trap

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trap

Noun

Days earlier, two American citizens and a Mexican national were shot dead in the state of Durango in an ambush that also left an American teenager critically injured.

Annie Correal, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2025
Its statement framed the ambush as a response to Israel's ongoing military actions in Gaza and the West Bank, including the displacement of Palestinians and reported targeting of civilian infrastructure.

Kevin Lynn, Newsweek, 6 Jan. 2025