1
as in birthplaces
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 sources
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
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 cradles
Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025
Now on sale for less than $20, these pumpkin cradles are a simple but genius gardening hack that lifts squashes off the ground to prevent moisture build-up that can cause rot.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2025
Verb
However, looking deep into these swirling cradles of planet formation has always been tricky.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025
Now on sale for less than $20, these pumpkin cradles are a simple but genius gardening hack that lifts squashes off the ground to prevent moisture build-up that can cause rot.
—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cradles
Noun
-
As the home of the state’s oldest winery, it’s considered to be one of the birthplaces of Washington winemaking.—
Zoe Baillargeon,
Travel + Leisure,
18 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
And more than 60 million Americans rely on drinking water from rivers and aquifers whose sources are within national forests.—
Ryan Gellert,
Time,
9 Sep. 2025
-
The #Eagles’ trade for Tank Bigsby is in part due to a need for another kick returner, sources say.—
Matt Wadleigh,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Having raised his daughter Lilly (Lilly Lindner) within its walls, with the staff functioning as an extended family, Lucius clings to the institution with a faith that borders on delusion.—
Leila Latif,
IndieWire,
31 Aug. 2025
-
Motovun, Croatia Anchored to the spine of Istria’s northern hills, Motovun clings to its summit like a medieval crown.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Fans will undoubtedly be thrilled to see the literal origins of Claire and Brian, both of whom are essential for bringing the original series story to pass.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
6 Sep. 2025
-
The museum's origins Congress passed legislation to establish the National Portrait Gallery as part of the Smithsonian Institution in 1962.—
BrieAnna J. Frank,
USA Today,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
As the Sons occupy a government building, Chris springs into action, saving a hostage while killing militant after militant with fists, a copy machine, and — in the most memorably violent use of a writing utensil in a DC Comics adaptation since The Dark Knight — two pencils in the ears.—
Scott Meslow,
Vulture,
5 Sep. 2025
-
The front independent suspension uses coil springs and damper struts, with a four-link, coil-spring system at the rear.—
Robert Ross,
Robb Report,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
As fans scramble to catch the ball, footage shows, the ball appears to land one row in front of a woman while a man runs over and grabs it.—
Chandelis Duster,
NPR,
7 Sep. 2025
-
With City’s left-back, Matheus Nunes, moving out of position to press Mainoo, Ugarte’s involvement grabs the attention of Ilkay Gundogan and Josko Gvardiol.—
Ahmed Walid,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
Knowing how to reach each player individually nurtures a connection between coach and player and over time contributes positively to team performance.—
John Baldoni,
Forbes.com,
19 Aug. 2025
-
Spade said companies like Recompose use a process that mimics the natural process of plant decomposition, where plants biodegrade to become topsoil that then nurtures new life.—
Phaedra Trethan,
USA Today,
9 Aug. 2025
Noun
-
Kīlauea on Hawaii resumed erupting on Tuesday, shooting lava fountains up to 500 feet into the air for over 13 hours.—
Daniel Orton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Don’t miss neighboring Champ de Mars’s playgrounds, pedal cars, and antique carousel, or the grand fountains and sweeping tower views of the Trocadéro gardens across the Seine.—
Elissa Garay,
AFAR Media,
3 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cradles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cradles. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share