Definition of abductionnext
as in kidnapping
the unlawful or forcible carrying away of a person or animal discredited reports of abductions by aliens

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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 Atiku promised on Wednesday to restore subsidized fuel, while Obi vowed to tackle security challenges such as mass abductions for ransom that threaten the country’s stability. Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Evidence recovered from Evonitz’s apartment, former residences and vehicle linked him to the abductions and murders of three girls from Spotsylvania County, Virginia — Sofia Silva, 16; Kristin Lisk, 15; and her sister, Kati Lisk, 12. Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 While no group claimed responsibility for the abduction, a number of jihadist groups linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State organization operate in the West African country. Jewel Bright, NPR, 14 Aug. 2026 Authorities found no evidence of an abduction or criminal offense in the case as of April, The Canadian Press reported at the time. Paloma Chavez, PEOPLE, 13 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abduction
Noun
  • Chilean authorities have charged Rafael Enrique Gámez Salas, the alleged leader of Los Piratas, the main branch of Tren de Aragua in Chile, with kidnapping, extortion and criminal association, among other offenses.
    ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • Former Palm Beach County Clerk of Courts Mike Caruso, who is facing allegations of kidnapping and molesting a child, will be freed from jail and can have contact with children, an Orlando judge ruled Friday.
    Claire Heddles, Miami Herald, 28 Aug. 2026
Noun
  • The raid underscores gangs’ push to seize strategic mountain corridors around upscale Pétion-Ville, even as armed groups now control most of Port-au-Prince and nationwide killings, rapes and kidnappings surge.
    Pierre-Richard Luxama, Los Angeles Times, 25 Aug. 2026
  • In cases of rape and murder, the punishment is life imprisonment.
    Arshad R. Zargar, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Abduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abduction. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

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