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

Relevance

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 In all but one of the fetal abduction cases, the offender had falsely claimed to be pregnant. Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026 The infant died shortly after the abduction. Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026 More than three decades after the abduction and killing of a Granite Bay mother shocked Placer County, the man accused of the crime has pleaded guilty and agreed to spend the rest of his life in prison. Richard Ramos, CBS News, 17 June 2026 The movement emerged after the abduction and killing of Lyhanna in late May and intensified as the suspect’s history came to light. Elsa Keslassy, Variety, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for abduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abduction
Noun
  • So for example, the risks in Haiti include civil unrest, limited healthcare, crime, terrorism, and the risk of kidnapping.
    Dana Taylor, USA Today, 26 June 2026
  • Arnold is facing three counts of kidnapping, three counts of armed robbery, one count of conspiracy to kidnap and one count of conspiracy to commit armed robbery from a February incident in Tampa.
    Bob Wojnowski, The Orlando Sentinel, 26 June 2026
Noun
  • Sochor was convicted of the rape and strangling of 18-year-old Patricia Gifford after meeting her at a New Year's celebration in 1981.
    Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 24 June 2026
  • Per the New York Post, Jeronimo-Rojas acknowledged he was caught on surveillance footage but denied the rape and the robbery.
    Preston Mizell , James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 23 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abduction. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on abduction

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster