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
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
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
Noun
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
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
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People living far from their birthplaces face long-distance bureaucratic hurdles to get them.—
Sun Sentinel Editorial Board,
Sun Sentinel,
11 Feb. 2026
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Their children’s birthplaces reflect their father’s journeyman status in the NFL, having started in at least one game for a record nine different teams during his 17-year career.—
Nasha Smith,
PEOPLE,
13 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Two sources who attended the party described witnessing a loud verbal exchange between Nick Reiner and his parents.—
Clara Harter,
Los Angeles Times,
21 Feb. 2026
-
Official casualty figures are kept strictly out of the public gaze, although estimates from multiple sources indicate losses that are eye-wateringly high.—
Matthew Chance,
CNN Money,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Some American viewers were pulled into it by a boring—and slightly embarrassing—poster of Harrison Ford, smirking in a suit, while a loyal Melanie Griffith clings to his shoulder and Sigourney Weaver, as befits her role of nemesis, gives a wicked smile.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
16 Feb. 2026
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What’s more, cooking the pasta directly with the other ingredients makes the most of the beneficial starch, forming a silky, delicious sauce that clings beautifully to each noodle.—
Martha Stewart,
Martha Stewart,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Ragtime’s jubilant origins in vaudeville and communal dancing are apparent in its euphonious melodies and playful rhythms.—
Aly Eleanor,
Pitchfork,
19 Feb. 2026
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Continue reading … AMERICAN CULTURE QUIZ — Test yourself on retro recipes and Olympic origins.—
,
FOXNews.com,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
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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
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This is an adjustable graphics-card brace, and its screw tightens the part that clamps it to the slide.—
PC Magazine,
PC Magazine,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
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Mineral-rich mud pools, thermal baths, and sulfur springs are reminders of the island's volcanic origins.—
Patricia Doherty,
Travel + Leisure,
17 Feb. 2026
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Hope springs eternal at spring training.—
Patrick Saunders,
Denver Post,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Cathy goes to wipe her fingers on her skirt, but Heathcliff instead grabs her hand and puts her fingers in his mouth.—
Fran Hoepfner,
Vulture,
16 Feb. 2026
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Soon thereafter, a gear fishing pal of yours gifted you an old, unused fly rod, and that totally grabs a hold of you and completely directs the rest of your life.—
Outside Online,
Outside Online,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cradles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cradles. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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