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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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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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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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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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

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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

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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

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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

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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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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

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2
as in prize
someone or something unusually desirable everyone thought the captain of the football team was a real catch

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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

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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

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
Here’s how, when and where to catch these two solar system objects as their paths cross each other. —Jamie Carter, Forbes.com, 22 July 2025 According to local authorities, the actor was caught in a strong current. —Clayton Davis, Variety, 22 July 2025
Noun
The catch is a pricey subscription for subject recognition, smart alerts, and cloud storage. —Simon Hill, Wired News, 11 July 2025 This is a brilliant camera for professionals, the only catch being that the menu system can a little unwieldy. —Chris McMullen, Space.com, 11 July 2025 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
  • Leave your troubles behind and grab a lime, because Thursday is National Tequila Day.
    — Ana Gutierrez, Austin American Statesman, 25 July 2025
  • Concerned, the roommates grabbed golf clubs from one of the first-floor bedrooms and checked the house for a possible intruder.
    — Christopher Cann, USA Today, 24 July 2025
Definition of grab
Verb
  • The Raptors got within one on a 3-pointer by Jamal Shead with 3:56 to go.
    — Jason Anderson, Sacbee.com, 20 July 2025
  • The largest player turnout for a CBA meeting in the union’s 26-year history, including next-generation stars Caitlin Clark, Paige Bueckers and Angel Reese, got a first-hand look at the process—and at the growing but still-not-profitable league’s pushback on their salary demands.
    — Eric Jackson, Sportico.com, 19 July 2025
Definition of get
Verb
  • Shortly after Braun’s executive order, the Indiana Department of Health told local health departments to stop accepting requests to change genders on birth certificates.
    — Marissa Meador, IndyStar, 24 July 2025
  • Break it up by stopping at the St. Regis Travel Center in St. Regis, Montana, for a huckleberry milkshake.
    — Sal Vaglica, USA Today, 23 July 2025
Definition of stop
Verb
  • Crowley and his administration pushed for the housing development, racing against the clock to secure time-sensitive federal funding and tax credits.
    — Vanessa Swales, jsonline.com, 25 July 2025
  • Nancy couldn’t secure a badge inside this year but finds plenty of activations outside the convention to enjoy.
    — Carlos Rico, San Diego Union-Tribune, 24 July 2025
Definition of secure
Verb
  • That gap can cause marketing to keep optimizing based on CPC or CPL without knowing which leads actually move forward in the funnel.
    — Ron Browning, Forbes.com, 16 July 2025
  • Rest assured, no one knew this kind of flood was coming.
    — Rebecca Schneid, Time, 7 July 2025
Definition of know
Verb
  • Luckily for Marian, much of Bertha’s attention is stolen by the unexpected arrival of her unsophisticated sister; Bertha’s too busy making snide comments and tricking her into wearing nicer gowns to even bother with Marian.
    — Andy Swift, TVLine, 13 July 2025
  • The offense is built on outside runs and tricking the defense.
    — Ted Nguyen, New York Times, 8 July 2025
Definition of trick
Verb
  • For the first time Cuba allowed more visitors from abroad, particularly Cuban Americans, and encounters between the Cuban diaspora and Cubans living on the island began to happen.
    — Jane Ciabattari July 22, Literary Hub, 22 July 2025
  • In the final minutes of The Hunting Wives, Sophie encounters Kyle on the road following a trip to the store.
    — Randall Colburn, EW.com, 22 July 2025
Definition of encounter
Verb
  • Pankow's absence is noticed on set of the final season, Cline says.
    — Julia Moore, People.com, 15 July 2025
  • Maybe a student is an amateur chef who notices that there are few affordable bakers in the area for parties and community events.
    — Christopher Rim, Forbes.com, 15 July 2025
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 29 Jul. 2025.

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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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