1
as in ambush
a device or scheme for capturing another by surprise
undercover agents devised a trap to catch the counterfeiters a bear trap
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2
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
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3
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
1
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
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
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Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of trap
Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
About 35 dead and dying cockroaches were on glue traps in the kitchen and in storage spaces.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Daniel More, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2025
That’s because all the air gets trapped in the elastic edges.
—Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for trap
Noun
The camera trap was set up by the Garo Green Spine Conservation Project team.
—Lauren Liebhaber, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2025
About 35 dead and dying cockroaches were on glue traps in the kitchen and in storage spaces.
—Camila Pedrosa, Sacbee.com, 4 Apr. 2025
Verb
Allergens can get trapped in upholstery, which is much more challenging to clean.4
8.
—Daniel More, Verywell Health, 26 Mar. 2025
That’s because all the air gets trapped in the elastic edges.
—Kelly Dawson, Architectural Digest, 14 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for trap
Recent Examples of Synonyms for trap
Noun
-
On hilltops along the Mediterranean coast, Syria’s new General Security forces faced ambushes and attacks.—
Dominique Soguel,
Christian Science Monitor,
28 Mar. 2025
-
Rubicon’s operators clearly possess the skill and experience necessary to land a drone as part of a complex aerial ambush.—
David Axe,
Forbes,
17 Mar. 2025
Noun
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The shoes stirred something deeper — a tangle of racial and social complexities that came with simply wanting to buy, own, or even wear them.—
Tiana Randall,
Forbes.com,
1 Apr. 2025
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Even actor Kevin Bacon has found his way into this tangle of out-of-state donors.—
Philip Elliott,
Time,
31 Mar. 2025
Noun
-
Nothing worse than burning your mouth and chewing then breathing like a dragon.—
Raja Krishnamoorthi,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Apr. 2025
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It does so by replacing the minerals in your teeth that would otherwise be lost to acid coming from bacteria in your mouth.—
Joseph Choi,
The Hill,
9 Apr. 2025
Verb
-
Branches in the forest menacingly attempt to entrap the princess.—
Lynnette Nicholas,
Parents,
20 Mar. 2025
-
Gabi and Robinson head to the diner to entrap Maggie with yet another plate of cheese fries.—
Maggie Fremont,
Vulture,
4 Mar. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Roberts grabbed eight boards vs. Gonzaga in the round of 32, 12 vs. Purdue in the Sweet 16 and 12 more vs. Duke in the Final Four.—
Tyler Everett,
MSNBC Newsweek,
7 Apr. 2025
Noun
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In addition to his work in the wind ensemble, Gael has been a key member of the marching band and indoor drumline, serving as lead snare drummer.—
Heide Janssen,
Orange County Register,
16 Mar. 2025
-
Echoing the raw feelings of heartbreak, the album is stripped back, with sparse snares and cymbals in lieu of a full drumkit.—
Jessica Nicholson,
Billboard,
20 Feb. 2025
Noun
-
On Friday, a Russian ballistic missile and drone attack on the city of Kryvyi Rih -- Zelenskyy's home town -- killed 19 people, including nine children.—
David Brennan,
ABC News,
6 Apr. 2025
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There has been a big labor split, however, with carpenters and laborers unions going heavily for Moreno — and waging tough attacks against Aguirre.—
Michael Smolens,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
6 Apr. 2025
Noun
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Its calling cards are the centerpiece (a domed metal structure adorned with leaf forms, under which many photo ops and engagements take place each year) and the labyrinth of rose beds that resemble puzzle pieces set into the ground, giving each planting its own room to grow.—
Caroline Rogers,
Southern Living,
24 Mar. 2025
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They are required to have at least one straight section and one labyrinth (three turns in quick succession without a straight section).—
Tim Genske,
Forbes,
21 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Trap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trap. Accessed 13 Apr. 2025.
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