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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kidnappings
Noun
-
Justice Department opinion allows ‘forcible abductions’ abroad In ordering Noriega’s removal, the White House relied on a 1989 legal opinion by then-Assistant Attorney General Bill Barr, issued six months before the invasion.—
Joshua Goodman,
Fortune,
5 Jan. 2026 -
These scams do not involve real abductions.—
Kurt Knutsson,
FOXNews.com,
21 Dec. 2025
Noun
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The number of rapes reported in the city fell by 18% with 45 reports this year compared to 55 incidents through the first three weeks of December in 2024.—
Justin Muszynski,
Hartford Courant,
1 Jan. 2026
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Canada, for example, stressed the need to protect women and girls, who are being subjected to horrific rapes by criminal gangs.—
Jacqueline Charles,
Miami Herald,
10 Dec. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Kidnappings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kidnappings. Accessed 12 Jan. 2026.
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