abduction

noun

ab-ˈdək-shən How to pronounce abduction (audio)
Definition of abductionnext
as in kidnapping
the unlawful or forcible carrying away of a person or animal discredited reports of abductions by aliens

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 abduction On Friday, the Pima County Sheriff's Department released details from two ransom notes received by Tucson media in the days after the abduction. — Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026 Before his abduction, Anyanwu had heard of people being kidnapped, but had not thought much about it. — Alexis Okeowo, New Yorker, 3 Aug. 2026 But the Hand’s abduction is a sideshow, not unlike the massacre of the Gold Cloaks. — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 3 Aug. 2026 The surviving suspect from an abduction in Chino Hills last week that ended with deputies killing his accomplice, moments after the victim had been executed, is being charged with murder, San Bernardino County prosecutors announced Monday. — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 3 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abduction
  1. kidnapping
  2. rape
Noun
  • Members of the Montreal City Police Department found the weapon, a Glock 26, on August 30, 2024, when officers raided a home in relation to a kidnapping investigation, court records show.
    — Mark Morales, CNN Money, 9 Aug. 2026
  • The Malheur standoff also drew in the FBI’s elite Hostage Rescue Team, which Northern California sheriffs credited for talking down the Henrichsens and ending last month’s kidnapping without bloodshed.
    — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of kidnapping
Noun
  • In later iterations, Reihana retitled the panorama In Pursuit of Venus [infected], for the astronomy project and rape joke at the heart of wallpaper’s story.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026
  • In this case, the driver in question has already pled guilty to rape and is serving a 10-year sentence.
    — Emma Hinchliffe, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026
Definition of rape

Browse Nearby Words

abducting
abduction
abductions
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Cite this Entry

“Abduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abduction. Accessed 11 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on abduction

Nglish: Translation of abduction for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about abduction

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