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
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of ropes
CBS News, 27 May 2026
Move away from water, and avoid wet ropes.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2026
Maybe the Golden Knights let their opponents off the ropes and Colorado can steal one on the road tonight.
—Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 26 May 2026
The 22-deck mega ship packs in one of the largest kids clubs at sea, plus bumper cars, roller skating, waterslides, a ropes course, and the Cliffhanger—the cruise industry’s first overwater swing ride.
—Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 May 2026
At one point, the exhausted wrestlers were hanging on the ropes by a thread.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2026
At times, the wildlife center said, neighbors who oppose them have blocked Coleman Road with logs, stones, gravel berms, and heavy ropes and chains.
—Dana Hedgpeth The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 24 May 2026
Darby tried a suicide dive, but tripped on the ropes and landed on the back of his neck for a scary landing.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
The combo left Gualtieri lying on the ropes with a look of shock on his face as the referee started his count.
—Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 23 May 2026
Noun
The night of round trippers started when Duran and Ceddanne hit back-to-back homers in the first inning, sending ropes to opposite sides of the field to put Boston in front 2-0.
—CBS News, 27 May 2026
Move away from water, and avoid wet ropes.
—Bill Kearney, Sun Sentinel, 27 May 2026
Maybe the Golden Knights let their opponents off the ropes and Colorado can steal one on the road tonight.
—Sean McIndoe, New York Times, 26 May 2026
The 22-deck mega ship packs in one of the largest kids clubs at sea, plus bumper cars, roller skating, waterslides, a ropes course, and the Cliffhanger—the cruise industry’s first overwater swing ride.
—Ashlea Halpern, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 May 2026
At one point, the exhausted wrestlers were hanging on the ropes by a thread.
—Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 25 May 2026
At times, the wildlife center said, neighbors who oppose them have blocked Coleman Road with logs, stones, gravel berms, and heavy ropes and chains.
—Dana Hedgpeth The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 24 May 2026
Darby tried a suicide dive, but tripped on the ropes and landed on the back of his neck for a scary landing.
—Alfred Konuwa, Forbes.com, 24 May 2026
The combo left Gualtieri lying on the ropes with a look of shock on his face as the referee started his count.
—Nathan Canilao, Mercury News, 23 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ropes
Noun
-
Asked about the specifics of Epperson’s play, an MLB spokesperson told the Herald there isn’t an automatic penalty for a coach who moves into fair territory.—
Mac Cerullo,
Boston Herald,
4 June 2026
-
Olsen didn't share specifics, but said there are burial sites on the land.—
Ashley Grams,
CBS News,
4 June 2026
Verb
-
In a chilling sequence, Dennis ties a garbage bag over Mallory’s head and drags her into the woods.—
Erin Qualey,
Vulture,
29 May 2026
-
The imbalance ties the hands of states trying to do what is fairest and allows states that don’t have commissions to change their maps and thus potentially their election outcomes.—
The Editorial Board,
Daily News,
29 May 2026
Noun
-
The system has flaws that go beyond a few minor quirks.—
Zackery Cuevas,
PC Magazine,
1 June 2026
-
Many savings and loans, retail banks created by quirks in banking law decades earlier, made reckless investments when the Fed’s high interest rates in the early 1980s crushed their traditional business.—
Edward Lotterman,
Twin Cities,
31 May 2026
Verb
-
The rest lived in someone's memory, in the institutional knowledge of whoever had been there longest or in old email threads no one wanted to dig through.—
Omer Qureshi,
Forbes.com,
28 May 2026
-
Throughout this dense and always engrossing survey of Lean’s career in film, Thompson threads the vicissitudes of the director’s personal life, spanning six wives and various other relationships and flings.—
David Rooney,
HollywoodReporter,
27 May 2026
Verb
-
For a more practical outfit, pair this similar brown skirt with a denim jacket that cinches at the waist.—
Jacqueline Tempera,
PEOPLE,
19 May 2026
-
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
Cite this Entry
“Ropes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ropes. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
