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
All but a handful of media workers' killings and abductions remain unsolved.
—
CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
The American abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is undoubtedly a massive and significant historical moment.
—Séamus Malekafzali, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, European leaders have distanced themselves from Maduro’s abduction and called for an immediate transition to democratic rule.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 7 Jan. 2026
In the initial rush of news Saturday morning, many commentators speculated that the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela was also a blow to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, since Venezuela and Russia are allies.
—M. Gessen, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abduction
CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
The American abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is undoubtedly a massive and significant historical moment.
—Séamus Malekafzali, Washington Post, 8 Jan. 2026
Meanwhile, European leaders have distanced themselves from Maduro’s abduction and called for an immediate transition to democratic rule.
—Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 7 Jan. 2026
In the initial rush of news Saturday morning, many commentators speculated that the abduction of President Nicolás Maduro of Venezuela was also a blow to President Vladimir Putin of Russia, since Venezuela and Russia are allies.
—M. Gessen, Mercury News, 7 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for abduction
Recent Examples of Synonyms for abduction
Noun
-
Murder, kidnapping and probably counterfeiting are all still against the rules in college football.—
Mac Engel
January 13,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
13 Jan. 2026
-
The Broward Sheriff's Office (BSO) said a possible kidnapping attempt in Weston on Monday morning was deemed to be unfounded following an investigation.—
Steve Maugeri,
CBS News,
12 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
If the rape had happened at a suburban hospital, people would be demanding investigations and accountability.—
Joe Battenfeld,
Boston Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
-
However, Weinstein’s attorney Aidala expressed his frustration in court Thursday at the fact that the rape charge was going to a trial for a third time, rather than coming to some kind of resolution with the prosecution.—
Caitlin Huston,
HollywoodReporter,
8 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Abduction.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abduction. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
