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

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

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 trap

Noun

An open rat trap was found near dry storage and gnats were found in a dessert area, according to the report. — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 29 Aug. 2026 Bryson Tiller has an arguably top-five R&B-trap album, in my opinion. — Michael Saponara, Billboard, 28 Aug. 2026

Verb

Sunday, after he was found trapped against the Lighthouse Beach breakwall in Lake Michigan, according to Evanston interim fire Chief Matt Smith. — Claire Murphy, Chicago Tribune, 24 Aug. 2026 Earlier this month, Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported that a black bear died after getting trapped inside an unlocked vehicle in Colorado Springs. — Amber Harding Outkick, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for trap

Recent Examples of Synonyms for trap

Noun

Schools for young Werewolves are said to be in operation, staffed by SS officers who are teaching the students the tactics of ambush mobility.

— Danielle Parker, CBS News, 28 Aug. 2026
Alberto Nunez Feijoo, leader of the opposition People’s Party, has led the charge against Sanchez’s government, criticizing him again on Thursday after the ambush of the military vehicle.

— Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of ambush

Noun

Detectives charged him with murder, manslaughter and criminal possession of a weapon for the vicious attack that killed his mother, 57-year-old Josefa Soto de Guzman, on Friday.

— Colin Mixson, New York Daily News, 26 Aug. 2026
Just like Ejva, who suddenly needs to learn how to protect the herd and make her family proud, even when a violent attack leaves her struggling.

— Marta Balaga, Variety, 26 Aug. 2026

Definition of attack

Noun

The Bell Jar Tracing the tangle of a new job in New York City and the simultaneous onrush of clinical depression, The Bell Jar brings the interior world of central character Esther Greenwood into stunning relief.

— Caroline Rogers, Southern Living, 22 Aug. 2026
Penske has designed tracks through city blocks, but never through both federal and municipal grounds with a tangle of buildings that include the Department of Justice, the Federal Trade Commission and the National Archives.

— Adam Kilgore, New York Times, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of tangle

Noun

On top of the moving-camera-foamy-dark-mouth challenge, there was the plaque challenge.

— Jenny Bailly, Allure, 1 Sep. 2026
Clean and sanitize surfaces these animals touch, and wash your hands thoroughly before handling food, touching common surfaces or touching your mouth or face.

— Kimberly Baker, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2026

Definition of mouth

Verb

Democrats called the hearing a politically motivated attempt at entrapping Fauci and praised the scientist for his work during the pandemic.

— Lauran Neergaard, Fortune, 29 July 2026
Democrats on the committee have echoed Fauci's argument that the hearing is meant to entrap him.

— Bart Jansen, USA Today, 29 July 2026

Definition of entrap

Noun

The second was a one-handed snare in the corner of the end zone in the opening minutes of the third quarter to give Mandarin a double-digit lead in an eventual 38-21 win over Hollywood McArthur.

— Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 22 Aug. 2026
On the final note, when the sticks hit the snare for the last time, Ryan dove on top of the crowd.

— Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 7 Aug. 2026

Definition of snare

Noun

The chase that follows finds Reacher and Green eluding several officers in Magic Gardens, the South Street art space dominated by Philadelphia artist Isaiah Zagar’s multimedia mosaic labyrinth.

— Chris Klimek, Vulture, 26 Aug. 2026
But the Gregorys noticed Atlantans, or others familiar with our city’s quirky labyrinth of Peachtrees, were seeing the Queens song and weighing in.

— Doug Turnbull, AJC.com, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of labyrinth

Cite this Entry

Style

“Trap.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/trap. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of trap

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes

'When Pigs Fly' and Other Barnyard...

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on trap

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes

Synonyms of trap

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser

Example Sentences

Phrases Containing trap

Browse Nearby Words

Articles Related to trap

Every Letter Is Silent, Sometimes

'When Pigs Fly' and Other Barnyard...

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on trap

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes