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
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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
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Recent Examples of cradles
Christina Perrier, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026
Cellphone mounts or cradles allow people to access their mobile devices at all times.
—Rachel Swan, San Francisco Chronicle, 17 Mar. 2026
These fun pink clogs channel spring flowers while their contoured footbed cradles your arches, and the adjustable heel strap keeps them secure.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
The integrated foam handles and foot cradles offer comfort and versatility.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
Lamu, Kenya Sitting in the Indian Ocean to the northeast of the Kenyan mainland, Lamu is one of the cradles of Swahili culture.
—Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 15 Feb. 2026
Married couples shared a bed, and one of their younger children might sleep with them, though infants had cradles.
—Bobbi Sutherland, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
In the photos, Travis can be seen down on one knee as Swift cradles his face in the sweet moment.
—Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 3 Oct. 2025
However, looking deep into these swirling cradles of planet formation has always been tricky.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025
Noun
In the sweet video, Steinfeld lifts her black sweatshirt to reveal her baby bump, which her husband then kisses and cradles; the two frolic in the snow looking so in love.
—Christina Perrier, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026
Cellphone mounts or cradles allow people to access their mobile devices at all times.
—Rachel Swan, San Francisco Chronicle, 17 Mar. 2026
These fun pink clogs channel spring flowers while their contoured footbed cradles your arches, and the adjustable heel strap keeps them secure.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
The integrated foam handles and foot cradles offer comfort and versatility.
—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 5 Mar. 2026
Lamu, Kenya Sitting in the Indian Ocean to the northeast of the Kenyan mainland, Lamu is one of the cradles of Swahili culture.
—Annabelle Dufraigne, Architectural Digest, 15 Feb. 2026
Married couples shared a bed, and one of their younger children might sleep with them, though infants had cradles.
—Bobbi Sutherland, The Conversation, 19 Dec. 2025
In the photos, Travis can be seen down on one knee as Swift cradles his face in the sweet moment.
—Natalia Senanayake, PEOPLE, 3 Oct. 2025
However, looking deep into these swirling cradles of planet formation has always been tricky.
—Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cradles
Noun
-
These disparities could reflect the different evolutionary histories and environmental birthplaces of Ryugu, Bennu, and the parent bodies of the Murchison and Orgeuil samples.—
Robert Lea,
Space.com,
17 Mar. 2026
-
Those who live near their birthplaces can visit the local vital statistics office, but staffing shortages and escalating demand for REAL IDs have caused significant backlogs in some states.—
Julie Carr Smyth,
Fortune,
14 Mar. 2026
Noun
-
April 25, 2026 Less than a week after making his major-league debut on April 3, the shortstop signed a team-record nine-year extension that league sources confirmed to The Athletic is for $140 million and could be worth up to $150 million with performance escalators.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The victim was charged with disorderly conduct and trespass, but both charges were later dropped, sources said.—
Colin Mixson,
New York Daily News,
24 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
On immediate application, the product comfortably clings to lips without feeling sticky or heavy.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
21 Apr. 2026
-
The sharp, pungent scent of chile peppers clings to the air.—
Kamala Thiagarajan,
NPR,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
As this person said, yerba mate is a caffeinated drink with indigenous origins and is especially popular in Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, an Arizona State University article said.—
Martha Ross,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2026
-
His research has helped describe the neurological origins of emotions and has shown how emotions affect cognition and decision-making.—
Big Think,
Big Think,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Pocket Grip also features a central hex drive that clamps a standard hex bit.—
Maryna Holovnova,
New Atlas,
4 Mar. 2026
-
The device, which clamps onto the line just above the hook and pairs zinc and graphite in seawater, creates a small electric field about the size of a beachball around the hook, and rattles approaching sharks.—
Bill Kearney,
Sun Sentinel,
6 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Barrington Elementary For more than a decade, Claudia Lopez joined other Barrington Elementary School mothers to cook a meal of turkey, potato salad, mashed potatoes, cornbread and chocoflan for Thanksgiving.—
Keri Heath,
Austin American Statesman,
23 Feb. 2026
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Because right now, with child care problems causing one in four parents, often mothers, to cut back working hours and one in six to leave entirely, Miami-Dade parents and businesses alike are feeling the pain.—
Max Klaver,
Miami Herald,
8 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
Red painted front coil springs and stabilizer bars.—
Tony Leopardo,
Mercury News,
19 Apr. 2026
-
In just two years, Edmonton coach Kris Knoblauch has gotten to know his club and accumulated as much playoff experience as possible, playing in eight of a possible eight series the past two springs.—
Andrew Knoll,
Oc Register,
19 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Ebuehi starts to drive away as the officer reaches out and grabs Ebuehi and the scooter.—
Naveen Dhaliwal,
CBS News,
23 Apr. 2026
-
The zookeeper grabs him and delivers the line of the year.—
Samantha Agate,
Miami Herald,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cradles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cradles. Accessed 25 Apr. 2026.
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