What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
intangle
Example
The wires were so intangled that it took hours to sort them out. [intangled: past participle]
Example
I'm afraid we've intangled ourselves in a web of lies and deceit. [intangle: verb]
ensnare
Example
The spider ensnared the fly in its web. [ensnared: past tense]
Example
He was ensnared by the cult and couldn't escape their grasp. [ensnare: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Intangle is less commonly used than ensnare in everyday language. Intangle is more specific and refers to a situation where things become twisted or knotted together, while ensnare is more versatile and can refer to trapping or catching something in various contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between intangle and ensnare?
Both intangle and ensnare are formal words, but ensnare is more commonly used in formal contexts such as legal or political discussions.