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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of ropes
Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
Kalundborg, Denmark — On a boat off Kalundborg harbor, Martin Høgh Sørensen steers while his wife, Karin, and friends Michael and Anne-Louise Eliasen tug and wind ropes to maneuver the sails.
—Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 7 May 2026
The exclusive Fenty launch in September 2017 was such a success that for months afterward the store had to place velvet ropes outside the entrance to keep the crowds in check.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
The letter from Friedman and the others noted that the film industry in Los Angeles already is almost on the ropes.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
After the Knicks had already demoralized the Sixers three times too many, there was still time on the clock for one more haymaker, one more seismic punch to put Philadelphia, already on the ropes far sooner than its fan base had anticipated, out for good.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 5 May 2026
The Rockies appeared to have the Braves on the ropes.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 2 May 2026
This game had everything — but seemingly no one could anticipate the New York Knicks would throttle the Hawks by 51 points (140-89) in a Game 6 that already had the latter team on the ropes.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
The ropes were long, at least thirty feet or more.
—Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
Noun
As if on cue, a few dozen children wearing life jackets and wielding fishing rods filled the waterfront behind him, trying their hand at angling, many for the first time, with instructors from the Minnesota DNR showing them the ropes.
—Jess Myers, Twin Cities, 8 May 2026
Kalundborg, Denmark — On a boat off Kalundborg harbor, Martin Høgh Sørensen steers while his wife, Karin, and friends Michael and Anne-Louise Eliasen tug and wind ropes to maneuver the sails.
—Anna Cooban, CNN Money, 7 May 2026
The exclusive Fenty launch in September 2017 was such a success that for months afterward the store had to place velvet ropes outside the entrance to keep the crowds in check.
—Samantha Conti, Footwear News, 7 May 2026
The letter from Friedman and the others noted that the film industry in Los Angeles already is almost on the ropes.
—Meg James, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2026
After the Knicks had already demoralized the Sixers three times too many, there was still time on the clock for one more haymaker, one more seismic punch to put Philadelphia, already on the ropes far sooner than its fan base had anticipated, out for good.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 5 May 2026
The Rockies appeared to have the Braves on the ropes.
—Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 2 May 2026
This game had everything — but seemingly no one could anticipate the New York Knicks would throttle the Hawks by 51 points (140-89) in a Game 6 that already had the latter team on the ropes.
—Anna Lazarus Caplan, PEOPLE, 1 May 2026
The ropes were long, at least thirty feet or more.
—Literary Hub, 1 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ropes
Noun
-
Staff and managers complained about the lack of specifics, as did legal-services providers and advocacy groups.—
E. Tammy Kim,
New Yorker,
7 May 2026
-
Sportico reported then that Khosla bought the biggest stake of the trio, though the specifics were not available.—
Scott Soshnick,
Sportico.com,
7 May 2026
Verb
-
That ties the 1992-93 Heat roster for the most on any opening night roster in franchise history.—
Anthony Chiang,
Miami Herald,
8 May 2026
-
This directly ties to one of my top priorities, which is transparency.—
Mercury News & East Bay Times Editorial Boards,
Mercury News,
7 May 2026
Noun
-
The children are all remembered for their quirks and love of family.—
Samira Asma-Sadeque,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
-
One of the new quirks of the 2026 schedule involves Watkins Glen International, site of this weekend’s Cup Series race, shifting from its longstanding late summer date to Mother’s Day weekend.—
Jordan Bianchi,
New York Times,
8 May 2026
Verb
-
In real life, Roth watched the world adapt to the pandemic and felt inspired to write about how panic threads itself into the fabric of society.—
Clare Mulroy,
USA Today,
11 May 2026
-
Far below the canyon’s monumental walls, the Snake River threads its way through the landscape—a sustaining lifeline for the Nimiipuu (also known as the Nez Perce) people for generations.—
Kelsey Olsen,
Travel + Leisure,
9 May 2026
Verb
-
For a sporty option, try a funnel neck bomber jacket, and opt for one that cinches at the waist or hip to accentuate your shape.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
1 May 2026
-
The vest subtly cinches at the waist, creating a flattering shape.—
Caroline Hughes,
Travel + Leisure,
14 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ropes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ropes. Accessed 15 May. 2026.
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