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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From February 2025 to February 2026, 53% of all abductions were of people in that age range.—
Elise Hammond,
CNN Money,
26 Feb. 2026
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From January 2025 through January 2026, there were 54,653 kidnappings or abductions reported in the United States, according to FBI figures.—
Louis Casiano,
FOXNews.com,
24 Feb. 2026
Noun
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The number of rapes increased by 50%.—
Sharon Bernstein,
Sacbee.com,
27 Feb. 2026
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Beer that turned green − possibly a chemical reaction with the drugs Dominque Pelicot had been slipping into her drinks and food to render her unconscious for the rapes.—
Kathryn Palmer,
USA Today,
18 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kidnappings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kidnappings. Accessed 4 Mar. 2026.
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