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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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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
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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
-
Obviously, Quillan isn’t staying, but my understanding from talking to sources is Treliving continues to consider his options in terms of bringing in another forward.—
James Mirtle,
New York Times,
7 Oct. 2025
-
In the meantime, CEOs can find signals that point to a weakening employment from private data sources.—
Diane Brady,
Fortune,
6 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
Baseball clings to its nine innings and statistical purity, even as pitch clocks, ghost runners and larger bases quicken the pace and spark fan interest.—
Rick Burton,
Sportico.com,
6 Oct. 2025
-
When a roach walks through an area treated with boric acid, the dust clings to its body, later attacking its nervous system when ingested.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
18 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The origins of Betty White's Chicken Pacific recipe aren't well-documented, but it's thought to have started with whole chicken breasts baked in a sweet, sticky sauce.—
Sarah Martens,
Better Homes & Gardens,
4 Oct. 2025
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Entertainment Weekly looks back on the acclaimed singer's discography, from her country origins to her latest pop anthems.—
Lauren Huff,
Entertainment Weekly,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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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
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My research has taught me that Florida’s springs vary based on location and local circumstances.—
Christopher F. Meindl,
The Conversation,
3 Oct. 2025
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That’s not all there is to it – the company has also updated the intake ports, camshaft profiles, valve springs, and pistons, while additionally incorporating a stronger flywheel.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
2 Oct. 2025
Verb
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When virtual particle pairs pop into existence at the edge of black holes, sometimes the black hole’s gravity grabs one partner while the other escapes.—
Dipangkar Dutta,
The Conversation,
3 Oct. 2025
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When Catalina goes into the kitchen to refill her calabash, Frances grabs the box of Thompson paperbacks and makes a run for Ray at the restaurant.—
Amanda Whiting,
Vulture,
1 Oct. 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 8 Oct. 2025.
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