Thesaurus results for ABDUCTIONS

abductions

noun

plural of abduction

as in kidnappings

the unlawful or forcible carrying away of a person or animal discredited reports of abductions by aliens

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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 abductions While individual kidnappings in Haiti are commonplace, mass abductions are more unusual. — Evens Sanon, Los Angeles Times, 29 Aug. 2026 Last week, dozens of people were kidnapped from a mosque in a spate of abductions at several villages in Nigeria's north-central Niger state. — ABC News, 27 Aug. 2026 Family ties convince him to join with Beck and get back in the game before Jake also turns up dead, a tricky proposition since clues start to point to Carter perhaps directing new abductions from his cell. — Pete Hammond, Deadline, 27 Aug. 2026 Atiku promised on Wednesday to restore subsidized fuel, while Obi vowed to tackle security challenges such as mass abductions for ransom that threaten the country’s stability. — Alexander Onukwue, semafor.com, 21 Aug. 2026 Evidence recovered from Evonitz’s apartment, former residences and vehicle linked him to the abductions and murders of three girls from Spotsylvania County, Virginia — Sofia Silva, 16; Kristin Lisk, 15; and her sister, Kati Lisk, 12. — Stephanie Nolasco, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026 But the government’s killings, torture, and abductions continued for years after the final whistle had blown. — Minky Worden, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 His unit has investigated gang activity, murders, abductions. — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026 The Bermuda Triangle is shrouded in mystery and has long been rumored to be a place of alien abductions and ghost sightings. — Andrea Romano, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for abductions

Noun

In 2025, 1,268 kidnappings were reported, a nearly 40% drop from the 2,058 kidnapping reported the previous year, the report stated.

— Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 13 June 2026
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

Definition of kidnappings

Noun

Under his ruling, none of the rapes that took place in Thornden Park or in the student apartments near it will have to be disclosed.

— Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 28 Aug. 2026
An average of more than 2,500 rapes are reported in Nepal every year, including 250 in which the victims are under the age of 10, according to data compiled by the Nepal Police.

— Arshad R. Zargar, CBS News, 25 Aug. 2026

Definition of rapes

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abduction

abductions

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“Abductions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abductions. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of abductions

noun

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