as in kidnapping
the unlawful or forcible carrying away of a person or animal
discredited reports of abductions by aliens
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Recent Examples of abduction
The father, who is separated from their mother, previously went to the police in France and reported her for child abduction, while the mother's family reported her disappearance on May 11.
—
Adam England, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026
Jackson was indicted on 10 criminal counts in 2003, including child molestation, administering an intoxicating agent (alcohol) to a minor, and conspiracy to commit child abduction and false imprisonment.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026
The last year saw the federal government swarm the city with violent immigration raids and abductions.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 May 2026
The Arizona sheriff leading local investigative efforts in the apparent abduction of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has shared an update on how much communication is happening between law enforcement and Savannah Guthrie's family.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for abduction
Adam England, PEOPLE, 21 May 2026
Jackson was indicted on 10 criminal counts in 2003, including child molestation, administering an intoxicating agent (alcohol) to a minor, and conspiracy to commit child abduction and false imprisonment.
—Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 20 May 2026
The last year saw the federal government swarm the city with violent immigration raids and abductions.
—Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 May 2026
The Arizona sheriff leading local investigative efforts in the apparent abduction of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie has shared an update on how much communication is happening between law enforcement and Savannah Guthrie's family.
—Kimi Robinson, USA Today, 18 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for abduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abduction
Noun
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Yes, Stolen Baby is based on the real-life murder of Broussard and the kidnapping of her daughter, Margo Elizabeth Carey.—
Emily Blackwood,
PEOPLE,
29 May 2026
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But a week after reporting the kidnapping, investigators arrested the couple at their Cabazon home after determining that Emmanuel was most likely dead and the couple had faked their story.—
Ruben Vives,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Noun
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The subsequent investigation led to seven more women coming forward and accusing Borger, who is charged with seven felonies, including two counts of rape, and four misdemeanors.—
Laura Bauer,
Kansas City Star,
2 June 2026
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That staffer was later fired by Collins after posting a social media comment on behalf of the Collins campaign mocking a woman who attempted suicide after accusing Matt Lauer of rape.—
Irene Wright,
USA Today,
1 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abduction. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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