1
as in mechanics
the characteristic peculiarities and technicalities of something
needs a mentor who will show her the ropes of running a catering business
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
2
as in brass tacks
the specific practical details of something
still learning the ropes of her new job
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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show current usage.
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Recent Examples of ropes
Dr. C. E. Kuschel, Outdoor Life, 9 Apr. 2026
This $20 10-by-10-foot camping tarp even comes with ropes and stakes.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026
Today, polio is on the ropes, down 99 percent worldwide since that press conference, with outbreaks confined to a handful of countries and eradication efforts continuing.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026
This online collection included images of mutilation and tying up women with ropes, two things prosecutors said are consistent with injuries inflicted on Mack and how she was bound, officials said.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
Use stretch cords or ropes to secure it in a roll.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Close to Rocky Mountain National Park, this all-inclusive guest ranch has everything from classic ranch activities like trail rides to surprising options such as a ropes course and zip line.
—Julie Bielenberg, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Dupont brewed a variety of beers from the very beginning, but by the 1970s, saison was on the ropes, representing only about 2% of the company’s sales, while no one else was brewing it.
—Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026
Later, on our drive home, Ingrid tells me about the aerial silk ropes installed in the beams of the family’s living room ceiling and promises to put on an acrobatics show worthy of its own write-up.
—Namir Khaliq, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
The best and safest way to start is to go on several trips with an experienced snake hunter and learn the ropes first hand.
—Dr. C. E. Kuschel, Outdoor Life, 9 Apr. 2026
This $20 10-by-10-foot camping tarp even comes with ropes and stakes.
—Olivia Young, Travel + Leisure, 9 Apr. 2026
Today, polio is on the ropes, down 99 percent worldwide since that press conference, with outbreaks confined to a handful of countries and eradication efforts continuing.
—Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 Apr. 2026
This online collection included images of mutilation and tying up women with ropes, two things prosecutors said are consistent with injuries inflicted on Mack and how she was bound, officials said.
—Meredith Deliso, ABC News, 7 Apr. 2026
Use stretch cords or ropes to secure it in a roll.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Miami Herald, 4 Apr. 2026
Close to Rocky Mountain National Park, this all-inclusive guest ranch has everything from classic ranch activities like trail rides to surprising options such as a ropes course and zip line.
—Julie Bielenberg, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Dupont brewed a variety of beers from the very beginning, but by the 1970s, saison was on the ropes, representing only about 2% of the company’s sales, while no one else was brewing it.
—Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026
Later, on our drive home, Ingrid tells me about the aerial silk ropes installed in the beams of the family’s living room ceiling and promises to put on an acrobatics show worthy of its own write-up.
—Namir Khaliq, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ropes
Noun
-
Those numbers — and specifics of what an MLO would fund — will be worked out by staff, and a plan will be presented to the school board on April 21.—
Olivia Young,
CBS News,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The court reasoned that the clause was in very small font, wasn’t in bold or all caps and the ticket only summarized the arbitration clause rather than offer its specifics.—
Michael McCann,
Sportico.com,
9 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
An abduction sequence ties the audience’s nerves in knots with cinematographer Isaac Bauman’s athletic tracking shot loping up the stairs to Margot’s apartment accompanied by Gavin Brivik’s pulse-hammering score.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Apr. 2026
-
The round, sesame-seeded bread is layered with Italian deli meats, cheeses and a tangy olive salad that ties everything together.—
Lauren Schuster,
Charlotte Observer,
8 Apr. 2026
Noun
-
The lighthearted moniker reflects both her personality and his admiration for her quirks.—
Nasha Smith,
PEOPLE,
10 Apr. 2026
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For power users, this sort of thing can’t help but read as needling, even petty platform quirks.—
Eric Vilas-Boas,
Vulture,
10 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Also on view are photos by Adrian Burrell, a third-generation resident of Oakland, California, whose photos are inspired by a family history of enslavement that threads from Senegal to Louisiana.—
Brian Boucher,
ARTnews.com,
10 Apr. 2026
-
There is an electricity that threads through every scene.—
Emily Zemler,
Los Angeles Times,
8 Apr. 2026
Verb
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What makes barrel jeans popular is their wide, tapered fit that curves out around the mid-leg and then cinches in at the ankle.—
India Roby,
InStyle,
16 Feb. 2026
-
The three compressions are Spanxsmooth Swim, which is light compression for barely there smoothing; Spanxshape Swim, medium compression for a little more tummy control and shaping, and Spanxsculpt Swim, strong compression that cinches and snatches.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ropes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ropes. Accessed 17 Apr. 2026.
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