Snag — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun verb /ˈsnag/

Meaning & Definition of Snag

Snag (noun)

  1. a concealed or unexpected difficulty or obstacle
  2. an irregularity that suggests the result of tearing; especially, a pulled thread in fabric
  3. a jagged tear made by or as if by catching on a snag

Snag (verb)

  1. to catch and usually damage on or as if on a snag
  2. to halt or impede as if by catching on a snag
  3. to catch or obtain usually by quick action or good fortune

Snag (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a danger or difficulty that is hidden or not easily recognized

    "we ran into a slight snag the night before the show"

    similar: booby trap, catch, catch-22, gimmick, gotcha, hitch, joker, land mine, pitfall
    related: snare, trap, trip wire, web, hazard, peril, risk, bomb, bombshell, kicker, surprise, bait, decoy, lure

Snag (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to take physical control or possession of (something) suddenly or forcibly

    "often late for work, I generally snag a bagel as I run out the door in the morning"

    similar: bag, capture, catch, collar, cop (slang), corral, get, glom, grab, grapple, hook, land, nab, nail, net, nobble (British slang), rap, seize, snap (up), snare, snatch, trap, take hold (of)
    related: glove, halter, lasso, rope, apprehend, arrest, detain, bay, corner, clasp, clutch, fasten (on), fist, grasp, grip, hold, latch (on or onto), secure, rend, wrest, enmesh, ensnare, entangle, entrap, mesh, abduct, kidnap, spirit (away or off)
    opposite: miss
    near: discharge, free, liberate, release, drop, loosen, unhand

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Snag

The most common words with a similar meaning to Snag:

Slang: cop
British slang: nobble
booby trap, catch, catch-22, gimmick, gotcha, hitch, joker, land mine, pitfall, bag, capture, collar, corral, get, glom, grab, grapple, hook, land, nab, nail, net, rap, seize, snap (up), snare, snatch, trap, take hold (of)

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Snag

Words with the opposite meaning of Snag:

miss

Related Words for Snag

trip wire, web, hazard, peril, risk, bomb, bombshell, kicker, surprise, bait, decoy, lure, glove, halter, lasso, rope, apprehend, arrest, detain, bay, corner, clasp, clutch, fasten (on), fist, grasp, grip, hold, latch (on or onto), secure

Near Antonyms of Snag

discharge, free, liberate, release, drop, loosen, unhand

Word Forms of Snag

Inflections: snagged, snagging

Derived words: snaggy (adjective)

Origin & Etymology of Snag

perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse snagi clothes peg

First known use: circa 1587

Words & Phrases Containing Snag

hit a snag

Frequently Asked Questions about Snag

What does "Snag" mean?

"Snag" means a concealed or unexpected difficulty or obstacle. As an a noun and a verb, it is defined as: a concealed or unexpected difficulty or obstacle. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Snag"?

Other words for "Snag" include booby trap, catch, catch-22, gimmick, gotcha, hitch, joker and land mine. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Snag" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Snag"?

There are 71 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Snag". Common alternatives include booby trap, catch, catch-22, gimmick, gotcha, hitch, joker, land mine, pitfall and bag.

What is the opposite of "Snag"?

Antonyms of "Snag" include miss. Near antonyms include discharge, free, liberate and release.

How do you use "Snag" in a sentence?

Examples of "Snag" in a sentence: "we ran into a slight snag the night before the show"; "often late for work, I generally snag a bagel as I run out the door in the morning".

Is "Snag" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Snag" can be used as a noun and a verb, depending on the context.

How do you pronounce "Snag"?

"Snag" is pronounced /ˈsnag/.

What is the origin of the word "Snag"?

"Snag" comes from perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse snagi clothes peg. First known use: circa 1587.