1
as in birthplace
a place of origin
Philadelphia is known as "the cradle of liberty" because it was there that the Declaration of Independence was signed
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in source
a point or place at which something is invented or provided
the 1848 meeting at Seneca Falls, New York, is often regarded as the cradle of the women's suffrage movement
Synonyms & Similar Words
1
2
as in to mother
Related Words
Dissimilar Words
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 cradle
David Szondy
april 04, New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2026
The fiber, partially derived from dent corn, is designed to maintain the performance of conventional spandex while delivering up to a 32 percent reduction in carbon emissions, according to a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026
Rachel Sugar, Curbed, 8 Apr. 2026
Now a new generation can cradle their own.
—Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cradle
Noun
During the recent demonstration test, the Bird of Prey took off from a launch cradle, and once in the air was able to autonomously search for, detect, and classify a target drone standing in for a hostile.
—David Szondy
april 04, New Atlas, 4 Apr. 2026
The fiber, partially derived from dent corn, is designed to maintain the performance of conventional spandex while delivering up to a 32 percent reduction in carbon emissions, according to a cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
The idea of legally requiring a person to lean over and cradle feces was horrifying.
—Rachel Sugar, Curbed, 8 Apr. 2026
Now a new generation can cradle their own.
—Scott Hocker, TheWeek, 24 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for cradle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cradle
Noun
-
Corsica is often relegated to a cruise stop, particularly in Napoleon Bonaparte’s birthplace of Ajaccio on the western coast.—
Lane Nieset,
Travel + Leisure,
26 Apr. 2026
-
Although China has a strong claim, many tend to cite ancient Greece as the birthplace of history as a discipline.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
At least three rounds were fired, sources said.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
2 May 2026
-
The science of acoustic fire suppression, which has long been known and documented in scientific literature and the press, works by vibrating oxygen molecules away from a fuel source, depriving the fire of a critical component needed for combustion.—
Cyrus Farivar,
ArsTechnica,
2 May 2026
Verb
-
By clamping the bag shut, the clips help keep air and moisture out, which slows staleness and helps food stay fresh longer.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Sacbee.com,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Suspend trailing pothos or ferns from hooks that clamp onto an overhang, or use tension rods to create a floating curtain of greenery.—
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson,
Charlotte Observer,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Some parents − overwhelmingly mothers − are stepping back from full-time work or leaving the workforce altogether to accommodate the needs of their family.—
Madeline Mitchell,
USA Today,
27 Apr. 2026
-
Perhaps pasta or pizza with cheese is so comforting because we’re literally being mothered by flowering plants and bovines?—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
25 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
Its exact origins are unknown, but it was most likely discovered in South India in the 13th century.—
Emma Caughlan,
NBC news,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Using animations of Eddie and talking-head interviews with famous fans including Javier Bardem, Metallica’s Lars Ulrich, Chuck D, and the Cure’s Simon Gallup, among others, the doc traces the group’s East London origins, galvanizing a loyal fanbase that now sees them in arenas and stadiums.—
Kory Grow,
Rolling Stone,
29 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Jerry told me then that his hands could no longer grip the canoe.—
Jim Hoagland,
Outdoor Life,
30 Apr. 2026
-
The life of a music director at a major opera company is inevitably one engaged in tragedy, and Conlon exhibits the dramatic flair to grip its emotional immensity.—
Classical Music Critic,
Los Angeles Times,
29 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
Refreshers are also priced higher than fountain drinks and are more profitable compared to food offerings, especially as protein prices rise.—
Jordan Valinsky,
CNN Money,
28 Apr. 2026
-
Michelle said medical professionals at the hospital told her that Juan drowned after his leg got caught in the lake's fountain, trapping him under the water.—
Nicole Comstock,
CBS News,
28 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The brothers couldn’t afford public transportation, often sneaking rides by clinging to the backs of trolleys until conductors forced them off.—
Milena Malaver,
Miami Herald,
2 May 2026
-
Webb pitched a perfect eighth inning with the Cubs clinging to a one-run lead.—
Andy Martinez,
Chicago Tribune,
1 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cradle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cradle. Accessed 5 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
