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

\/\/ caught<\/em> the dog as it ran by<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'bag' be a reasonable alternative to 'catch'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words bag<\/em><\/a> and catch<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bag<\/em> implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.<\/p>

\/\/ bagged<\/em> a brace of pheasants<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'capture' a more appropriate choice than 'catch'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms capture<\/em><\/a> and catch<\/em> are close in meaning, capture<\/em> suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.<\/p>

\/\/ capture<\/em> an enemy stronghold<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How are the words 'entrap' and 'ensnare' related as synonyms of 'catch'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Both entrap<\/em><\/a> and ensnare<\/em><\/a> more often are figurative.<\/p>

\/\/ entrapped<\/em> the witness with a trick question<\/p>

\/\/ a sting operation that ensnared<\/em> burglars<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is 'trap' related to other words for 'catch'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Trap<\/em><\/a>, snare<\/em><\/a>, entrap<\/em><\/a>, and ensnare<\/em><\/a> imply seizing by some device that holds the one caught at the mercy of the captor. Trap<\/em> and snare<\/em> apply more commonly to physical seizing.<\/p>

\/\/ trap<\/em> animals<\/p>

\/\/ snared<\/em> butterflies with a net<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How does the verb 'catch' contrast with its synonyms?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

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

\/\/ caught<\/em> the dog as it ran by<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "Where would 'bag' be a reasonable alternative to 'catch'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

The words bag<\/em><\/a> and catch<\/em> are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, bag<\/em> implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.<\/p>

\/\/ bagged<\/em> a brace of pheasants<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "When is 'capture' a more appropriate choice than 'catch'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

While the synonyms capture<\/em><\/a> and catch<\/em> are close in meaning, capture<\/em> suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.<\/p>

\/\/ capture<\/em> an enemy stronghold<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How are the words 'entrap' and 'ensnare' related as synonyms of 'catch'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Both entrap<\/em><\/a> and ensnare<\/em><\/a> more often are figurative.<\/p>

\/\/ entrapped<\/em> the witness with a trick question<\/p>

\/\/ a sting operation that ensnared<\/em> burglars<\/p>" } }, { "@type": "Question", "name": "How is 'trap' related to other words for 'catch'?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "

Trap<\/em><\/a>, snare<\/em><\/a>, entrap<\/em><\/a>, and ensnare<\/em><\/a> imply seizing by some device that holds the one caught at the mercy of the captor. Trap<\/em> and snare<\/em> apply more commonly to physical seizing.<\/p>

\/\/ trap<\/em> animals<\/p>

\/\/ snared<\/em> butterflies with a net<\/p>" } } ] }

catch 1 of 2

verb

ˈkach How to pronounce catch (audio)
Definition of catchnext
1
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly we tried to catch the kitten before she could sneak out the door

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to get
to become affected with (a disease or disorder) you'll catch the flu for sure if you don't get a shot

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to stop
to bring (something) to a standstill I caught myself just as I was about to step into the freshly poured concrete

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
4
as in to secure
to put securely in place or in a desired position caught back her hair with a barrette

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
5
as in to know
to have a clear idea of I didn't catch the point you were making about our nation's foreign policy

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in to trick
to cause to believe what is untrue a number of media outlets were caught by the woman's hard-luck story

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in to encounter
to come upon face-to-face or as if face-to-face I'll catch you at the library tomorrow

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
8
as in to notice
to make note of (something) through the use of one's eyes I looked out the window just in time to catch the neighbor's dog digging up my flower bed

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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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
as in prize
someone or something unusually desirable everyone thought the captain of the football team was a real catch

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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

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
Two vehicles next door also caught fire, and the house next door suffered moderate damage, according to the post. —Harriet Ramos, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026 Humans seeding anthrax People can get caught in the life cycle of Bacillus anthracis. —Hannah Kinzer, The Conversation, 25 Mar. 2026
Noun
Street’s final catch set up the Chupacabras’ go-ahead score in the fourth quarter. —Sean Rider, The Orlando Sentinel, 23 Mar. 2026 Toney set the Hurricanes’ single-season records for catches (109) and receiving yards (1,211) as a true freshman in 2025. —Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 23 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for catch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for catch
  1. grab
  2. get
  3. stop
  4. secure
  5. know
  6. trick
  7. encounter
  8. notice
Verb
  • For an affordable meal, grab a cheap lunch at a konoba — a Croatian tavern — tucked away from the main tourist drag.
    — Lauren Schuster, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Mar. 2026
  • Kuechly was called for two defensive fouls as NFL players had trouble grabbing flags.
    — Jim Reineking, USA Today, 23 Mar. 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • Store it all in the ski locker room, and getting slopeside is a breeze.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Heritage took the 2-1 lead in the second half when Atkins got the score off an Emersen Andries assist and the Panthers’ defense held on late to advance.
    — Darren Lauber, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Mar. 2026
Definition of get
Verb
  • Her 15-year-old son can be heard in the background pleading with his mom and the officer to stop.
    — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Mar. 2026
  • Mason McTavish and Troy Terry also scored for the Ducks, while John Carlson had three assists and Lukas Dostal stopped 27 shots.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 25 Mar. 2026
Definition of stop
Verb
  • Arsenal’s 2-0 home win against Everton, secured in stoppage time by 16-year-old substitute Dowman, was one of two correct scoreline predictions for me last week, taking me back to within eight points of the top of the table after my recent slump.
    — Oliver Kay, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026
  • Reserve accommodations well in advance of your travel dates to secure your preferred location and price point.
    — Taylor Haught, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 20 Mar. 2026
Definition of secure
Verb
  • The vote came during the second week of a marathon debate over a controversial elections bill known as the SAVE America Act, which would require proof of citizenship to register to vote and certain forms of photo ID to cast a ballot.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 27 Mar. 2026
  • Seals and Crofts were native Texans who had known each other since high school and played together in various groups before becoming a duo, Seals & Crofts, in the late 1960s.
    — Hillel Italie, Chicago Tribune, 27 Mar. 2026
Definition of know
Verb
  • Scammers are at it again, texting Americans, hoping to trick them into giving up financial information under the guise of paying parking or toll fees, officials in multiple states have said this month.
    — Saleen Martin, USA Today, 20 Mar. 2026
  • From around January to June 2022, the couple tricked unknowing subordinates into adding fake vendors to the company's system, officials said.
    — Dan Raby, CBS News, 19 Mar. 2026
Definition of trick
Verb
  • Harms Mahlandt receives submissions every day from people all over the world who encounter or make these sidewalk creations.
    — MAGGIE PENMAN THE WASHINGTON POST, Arkansas Online, 22 Mar. 2026
  • While heading for resupply before its next escort mission, the frigate encountered a minefield laid by Iran the night before, according to Cox.
    — Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 22 Mar. 2026
Definition of encounter
Verb
  • James turned forty-one at the end of that month, an age at which many people start to notice the normal degeneration of their tendons and joints.
    — Louisa Thomas, New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2026
  • In 2024, the Rowes noticed a significant change in Ralph's behavior.
    — Will Croxton, CBS News, 22 Mar. 2026
Definition of notice

Phrases Containing catch

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catcalls
catch
catch-22
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Cite this Entry

“Catch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/catch. Accessed 27 Mar. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on catch

Nglish: Translation of catch for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about catch

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