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
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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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cradles
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
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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After her divorce from Billy Bob Thornton in 2003, Angelina Jolie removed the tattoo of his name from her left arm, replacing it with the coordinates of her globe-spanning family's birthplaces.—
Grace Gavilanes,
PEOPLE,
8 Oct. 2025
-
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
-
The change has proved costly because Venezuela lost one of its few remaining sources of legitimate income.—
Stefano Pozzebon,
CNN Money,
11 Nov. 2025
-
As global demand for cleaner and more efficient energy sources intensifies, solar power remains one of the most promising solutions.—
Aamir Khollam,
Interesting Engineering,
11 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
This happens when creosote—a tar-like residue that clings to the inside of the chimney—ignites.—
Mary Catherine McAnnally Scott,
Southern Living,
2 Nov. 2025
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As Helen plots revenge and Madeline clings to her rapidly fading star, their world is suddenly turned upside down by Viola Van Horn, a mysterious woman with a secret that’s to die for.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
20 Oct. 2025
Noun
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With similarly humble origins, Frank Howard’s famous rock, which was brought back to him by a fan from California’s Death Valley, began as a doorstop.—
Elizabeth Hutchison Hicklin,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
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Since then, research into the disease and its origins has expanded significantly, uncovering genetic, biochemical and environmental factors that may contribute to its onset and progression.—
The San Diego Union Tribune,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
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
Noun
-
An exhilarating dive can be had at Champagne Reef in Soufriere Scotts Head Marine Reserve, where the underwater volcanic thermal springs attracts parrotfish, octopus, seahorses and turtles.—
Adrienne Jordan,
USA Today,
6 Nov. 2025
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Joe springs into action to help, but Zoë is skeptical, believing the explosion isn't worth investigating.—
Allison DeGrushe,
Entertainment Weekly,
6 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
But the sustained fury grabs you.—
Jackson McHenry,
Vulture,
4 Nov. 2025
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Today, artificial intelligence grabs headlines and AI stocks are soaring.—
Drew O’Connor,
Nashville Tennessean,
2 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Getting creative with my style nurtures the confidence that empowers me to show up in the world authentically.—
Essence,
Essence,
24 Sep. 2025
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The vegan lip treatment delivers intense moisture via a peptide that smoothes and plumps, as well as hyaluronic acid that nurtures dry skin.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
16 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cradles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cradles. Accessed 14 Nov. 2025.
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