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
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
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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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
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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
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Former cable news anchor Don Lemon was arrested Thursday night, his attorney and multiple sources with direct knowledge told CBS News on Friday.—
Lilia Luciano,
CBS News,
30 Jan. 2026
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According to multiple sources familiar with the deal, who asked not to be named to protect relationships, a small fee was ultimately paid to City to formally appoint Taylor in August, a month before the contract expired.—
Megan Feringa,
New York Times,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
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The result is a supremely creamy sauce that clings to the chicken and mushrooms without breaking.—
Hana Asbrink,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
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One man — one young, confident Portuguese man — clings bravely to his beliefs as the rest of the world falls into groupthink.—
Jack Lang,
New York Times,
22 Jan. 2026
Noun
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Valentine's Day pagan connections One of the most common explanations is that Valentine's Day has its origins in the ancient Roman fertility festival of Lupercalia.—
Marina Johnson,
Louisville Courier Journal,
29 Jan. 2026
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Because this history is a critical part of our nation's origins.—
Eva Andersen,
CBS News,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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Here, Lloyd clamps a muzzle — part fetish club, part Bane — over Lucky’s mouth while Pozzo pushes him in a wheelchair (the actor, Michael Patrick Thornton, uses a chair).—
Sara Holdren,
Vulture,
29 Sep. 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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In each election cycle, hope springs eternal for Texas Democrats and the labor movement that once wielded real power in Lone Star politics.—
Gromer Jeffers Jr,
Dallas Morning News,
26 Jan. 2026
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This is especially true if the springs were replaced with the struts.—
John Paul,
The Providence Journal,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Video shows that in the seconds before Pretti is shot, the 37-year-old ICU nurse grabs the observer’s backpack when he is pulled to the ground by a group of agents.—
Yahya Abou-Ghazala,
CNN Money,
30 Jan. 2026
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The officer grabs Pretti’s shirt at his chest, pulling him back toward the vehicle as Pretti’s arms flail.—
Michael Biesecker,
Fortune,
29 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Cradles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cradles. Accessed 1 Feb. 2026.
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