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 abduction of Liam Conejo Ramos and his father—both of whom have pending asylum claims—was unfolding in the driveway of the family’s home, on a street where Granlund often walks her dog.
—
Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
The Minneapolis show coincided with a general strike being called by activists across the country that caused many workers and students to walk out in protest of the ICE abductions continuing to happen nationally.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Jan. 2026
The ticker might jump on news of a political abduction, distant revolts, or threats over Arctic resources, but the underlying story remains the same.
—Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Advertisement The imprisonment and death of Aldo Moro There is a lot of ambiguity and speculation around the abduction and death of Aldo Moro, which lets The Big Fake turn conspiracy into suspenseful drama that keeps Toni close to the epicenter of the kidnapping.
—Rory Doherty, Time, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abduction
Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
The Minneapolis show coincided with a general strike being called by activists across the country that caused many workers and students to walk out in protest of the ICE abductions continuing to happen nationally.
—Chris Willman, Variety, 30 Jan. 2026
The ticker might jump on news of a political abduction, distant revolts, or threats over Arctic resources, but the underlying story remains the same.
—Tim Treadgold, Forbes.com, 27 Jan. 2026
Advertisement The imprisonment and death of Aldo Moro There is a lot of ambiguity and speculation around the abduction and death of Aldo Moro, which lets The Big Fake turn conspiracy into suspenseful drama that keeps Toni close to the epicenter of the kidnapping.
—Rory Doherty, Time, 26 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abduction
Noun
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Decades later, in a cruel twist of fate, the Guthrie family is no longer pantomiming a kidnapping.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
7 Feb. 2026
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See video … TOM BAKER – Nancy Guthrie case seems a little different from a traditional kidnapping for ransom.—
,
FOXNews.com,
6 Feb. 2026
Noun
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He was booked for rape by force but has since been released after posting bond.—
Dean Fioresi,
CBS News,
3 Feb. 2026
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Feinstein and Prugo pleaded no contest to the count of stalking, and the felony solicitation for rape count was dismissed due to lack of evidence.—
Raven Brunner,
PEOPLE,
1 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abduction. Accessed 10 Feb. 2026.
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