hijackings

noun

variants also highjackings
plural of hijacking
as in kidnappings
the unlawful or forcible carrying away of a person or animal a country in which hijackings of foreign executives has become commonplace

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hijackings
  1. kidnappings
  2. abductions
  3. rapes
Noun
  • In 2025, 1,268 kidnappings were reported, a nearly 40% drop from the 2,058 kidnapping reported the previous year, the report stated.
    — Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
  • In the '30s, when the Lindbergh baby was abducted, kidnappings and ransoms were so common that high-profile people often secured kidnapping insurance.
    — Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026
Definition of kidnappings
Noun
  • But the government’s killings, torture, and abductions continued for years after the final whistle had blown.
    — Minky Worden, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026
  • His unit has investigated gang activity, murders, abductions.
    — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026
Definition of abductions
Noun
  • Studies from West Virginia and Ohio show that being able to tie rapes across borders to one criminal prevents other crimes and can save communities millions.
    — Nick Penzenstadler, USA Today, 16 July 2026
  • Germany recorded 751 cases categorized as group rapes in 2025, according to the federal government’s response to a parliamentary inquiry submitted by the opposition Alternative für Deutschland party.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 12 July 2026
Definition of rapes
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Hijackings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hijackings. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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