variants
also kidnaper
as in abductor
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Recent Examples of kidnapper
Hours after she was reported missing, John and a friend were asked by authorities to check the basement, despite it being dismissed as a possible exit for a kidnapper.
—
Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 21 May 2026
Paula records the assault on camera, takes it to the police — an officer played by Dolly de Leon dismisses it as an obvious scam — and then gets the inevitable ask for money from someone claiming to be his kidnapper.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 May 2026
The season 27 finale begins with Captain Benson and her SVU squad learning the devastating truth that one of their most dangerous criminals — a serial child kidnapper and killer Richard Caine — was released from custody as a result of a procedural mistake.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Clemente is not the only one who has said that someone close to the kidnapper might be the best way to find out what happened.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 11 May 2026
However, the fact that the FBI was able to recover video anyway likely shocked the kidnapper, Clemente said, and someone in his orbit should have been able to pick up the signs.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026
In March, authorities found that black gloves thought to be from the kidnapper, and found 2 miles from Guthrie's home, belonged to a restaurant worker not connected to the case, according to DNA results.
—Sarah Lapidus, USA Today, 8 May 2026
The revelations get familial, psychological, and stunning, as do Joudrey’s conversations with the kidnapper, now in prison.
—Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
Armando Chaguaceda, a Cuban historian, compared the regime to a kidnapper blaming his hostages’ suffering on those calling for their release.
—Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026
Marina Watts, Entertainment Weekly, 21 May 2026
Paula records the assault on camera, takes it to the police — an officer played by Dolly de Leon dismisses it as an obvious scam — and then gets the inevitable ask for money from someone claiming to be his kidnapper.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 20 May 2026
The season 27 finale begins with Captain Benson and her SVU squad learning the devastating truth that one of their most dangerous criminals — a serial child kidnapper and killer Richard Caine — was released from custody as a result of a procedural mistake.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 15 May 2026
Clemente is not the only one who has said that someone close to the kidnapper might be the best way to find out what happened.
—Lizzie Lanuza, StyleCaster, 11 May 2026
However, the fact that the FBI was able to recover video anyway likely shocked the kidnapper, Clemente said, and someone in his orbit should have been able to pick up the signs.
—Michael Ruiz, FOXNews.com, 10 May 2026
In March, authorities found that black gloves thought to be from the kidnapper, and found 2 miles from Guthrie's home, belonged to a restaurant worker not connected to the case, according to DNA results.
—Sarah Lapidus, USA Today, 8 May 2026
The revelations get familial, psychological, and stunning, as do Joudrey’s conversations with the kidnapper, now in prison.
—Sheldon Pearce, New Yorker, 24 Apr. 2026
Armando Chaguaceda, a Cuban historian, compared the regime to a kidnapper blaming his hostages’ suffering on those calling for their release.
—Gisela Salim-Peyer, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kidnapper
Noun
-
Hip abductor strength is important for balance and mobility, regardless of yourage.—
Mallory Creveling,
Health,
15 May 2026
-
An autopsy suggested she had been held for days before being murdered, raising early fears that her abductor was calculating and methodical.—
Virginia Chamlee,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
Noun
-
Elizabeth Diane Downs shot all three of her kids and then claimed a carjacker was responsible for the brutal act.—
Jessica Sager,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
-
The second carjacker, Kenneth Merritt, 29, also pleaded guilty and will be sentenced on June 9.—
Jeramie Bizzle,
CBS News,
11 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The hijacker was killed when Turkish commandos stormed the airliner and freed the 40 passengers and crew.—
Lorenzino Estrada,
AZCentral.com,
29 Oct. 2025
Noun
-
But while our bodies can develop immunity to viruses, even the savviest of travelers can fall victim to pickpockets on their travels.—
Katie Jackson,
Travel + Leisure,
24 May 2026
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Police asked anyone with information about the pickpocket thefts to call 415-575-4444 or send a text to TIP411 and begin the message with SFPD.—
Carlos E. Castañeda,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
An alleged shoplifter was shot and killed by police Wednesday outside Town Center at Cobb mall in Kennesaw, Georgia.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
28 May 2026
-
In retail, a booster is slang for a professional shoplifter, one who doesn’t steal for personal use but in bulk for resale.—
Stephen Schaefer,
Boston Herald,
19 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kidnapper.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kidnapper. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.
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