variants
also kidnapings
as in abductions
the unlawful or forcible carrying away of a person or animal
an alert system for the prompt reporting of juvenile kidnappings
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of kidnappings
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kidnappings
Noun
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There have been 24 fetal abductions reported to the NCMEC in the United States since 1974, according to Steinbach.—
Elizabeth Yuko,
Rolling Stone,
18 June 2026
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My Book of Firsts — and founded The JAYC Foundation, which helps families recovering from abductions or other traumatic events.—
Lynsey Eidell,
PEOPLE,
10 June 2026
Noun
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Meanwhile, at least 681 rapes were reported from January to July 2025, with activists noting that unreported cases are much higher.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
18 June 2026
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Three men, including Jackman, have all been tied to serial rapes in the Westport area in the 1980s.—
Caroline Zimmerman,
Kansas City Star,
18 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kidnappings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kidnappings. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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