capture 1 of 2

verb

Definition of capturenext
1
as in to win
to receive as return for effort the movie's producers captured several awards for their work

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to grab
to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly captured the cat just as it was about to escape out the front door

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

capture

2 of 2

noun

ˈkap-chər How to pronounce capture (audio)
as in prisoner
one that has been taken and held in confinement a Spanish treasure ship was the most valuable capture ever taken by that privateer

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb capture contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of capture are bag, catch, ensnare, entrap, snare, and trap. While all these words mean "to come to possess or control by or as if by seizing," capture suggests taking by overcoming resistance or difficulty.

capture an enemy stronghold

In what contexts can bag take the place of capture?

In some situations, the words bag and capture are roughly equivalent. However, bag implies shooting down a fleeing or distant prey.

bagged a brace of pheasants

When is catch a more appropriate choice than capture?

The words catch and capture are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, 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 capture?

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 capture?

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 capture
Verb
Wrigley Field Photos capture Jelly Roll and Post Malone at Wrigley Field. —Chicago Tribune, 24 May 2025 The First Amendment Coalition legal director said he was not sold on the idea that the city should protect the identity of people in public captured on the drone footage by blurring their faces. —Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 May 2025
Noun
Shift its purpose from operational reflection to insight capture. —Rhea Wessel, Forbes.com, 20 May 2025 More information on Moody's capture wasn't immediately released. —Emily Shapiro, ABC News, 16 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for capture
Recent Examples of Synonyms for capture
  1. win
  2. grab
  3. prisoner
  4. earn
  5. catch
  6. gain
  7. seize
  8. reap
Verb
  • Harvard has fought back in the courts, winning a temporary restraining order on May 23 that will allow international enrollments to continue as the case makes its way through the courts.
    — Davis Winkie, USA Today, 27 May 2025
  • Long before Ross Chastain became the first driver in 54 years to win a Cup Series race from the tail of the field at the Coca-Cola 600, Shane Van Gisbergen captured the inaugural Chicago Street Race in his debut, and Daniel Suárez got the best of the infamous three-wide photo finish at Atlanta.
    — Shane Connuck, Charlotte Observer, 26 May 2025
Definition of win
Verb
  • In the morning, the restaurant doubles as a coffee shop where guests can grab drip coffee, fresh juices, and a small selection of hot and cold breakfast options, including the beloved Hawaiian classic, Loco Moco.
    — Jalyn Robinson, Travel + Leisure, 25 May 2025
  • The colorful bar framed in bright neon lights is on the main concourse, so people walking by can grab a drink and head to the casino or other favorite activity, Allen said.
    — Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 24 May 2025
Definition of grab
Noun
  • The negotiations resulted in an agreement for a large prisoner swap but not a cease-fire.
    — Liubov Sholudko, New York Times, 20 May 2025
  • The Coproduction Office title follows an idealistic young Soviet prosecutor who comes across a letter written by a prisoner.
    — Ed Meza, Variety, 19 May 2025
Definition of prisoner
Verb
  • Information submitted anonymously to the hotline can earn a reward of up to $25,000.
    — Robert A. Cronkleton, Kansas City Star, 29 May 2025
  • Vogue may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers.
    — Laure Guilbault, Vogue, 29 May 2025
Definition of earn
Verb
  • Financial services leaders are thus caught in a paradox.
    — Kathleen Walch, Forbes.com, 23 May 2025
  • Throughout the show, Elliot is often caught telling his kids wildly inappropriate stories in an effort to get closer to them and inspire them to open up.
    — Yasmeen Hamadeh, People.com, 23 May 2025
Definition of catch
Verb
  • The show lost Samantha (under less than amicable circumstances), as well as actress Kim Cattrall, and gained a number of supporting characters of color.
    — Mathew Rodriguez, Them., 30 May 2025
  • After her parents went away to serve their time, Savannah gained custody of both Grayson and Chloe.
    — Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 30 May 2025
Definition of gain
Verb
  • Officials with the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms conducted a search at Ross’ home in Oklahoma and seized materials that were used to build the explosive devices, police said.
    — Lillie Davidson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 May 2025
  • Israel imposed a blockade on all supplies entering Gaza in March, saying Hamas was seizing supplies meant for civilians - a charge the group denies.
    — Nidal al-Mughrabi, USA Today, 23 May 2025
Definition of seize
Verb
  • Since its inception, cumulative membership dues pales next to the billions reaped from SATs and AP exams since 1990.
    — Scott White, Forbes.com, 26 May 2025
  • Chicago’s Building Better Futures Center for the Arts, an organization that offers mental health services and education programs for underprivileged youth, will reportedly reap the benefits of his payout.
    — Brian Niemietz, New York Daily News, 22 May 2025
Definition of reap

Browse Nearby Words

captors
capture
captured
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Cite this Entry

“Capture.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/capture. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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