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 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
Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kidnappings
Noun
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In the last year, there were more than 49,000 cases of abductions and kidnappings in the United States, according to FBI data.—
Hannah Fry,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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Kidnappings and abductions of this sort—high profile, with a possible ransom—are relatively rare in the United States; missing persons reports more often involve runaways or parental abductions in custody cases.—
Kase Wickman,
Vanity Fair,
7 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The four rapes allegedly took place in 2018, 2023 and 2024, the last one after the police investigation began.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
30 Jan. 2026
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During the nine-month-long ordeal, the then-14-year-old was subjected to daily rapes and endured physical abuse and starvation.—
Stephanie Kaloi,
PEOPLE,
22 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kidnappings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kidnappings. Accessed 12 Feb. 2026.
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