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
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Recent Examples of kidnappings
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
Kase Wickman, Vanity Fair, 7 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kidnappings
Noun
-
No group has claimed responsibility for Thursday’s abductions.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 Apr. 2026
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The number comes from a 1999 Department of Justice report that used surveys to estimate missing children cases nationwide under broad definitions, including everything from abductions to runaways to brief scares where a kid gets lost for a couple of hours.—
Stephen Johnson,
Big Think,
31 Mar. 2026
Noun
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Nor does your letter mention the countless rapes and massacres carried out by Hamas on that day.—
Alex Weprin,
HollywoodReporter,
24 Apr. 2026
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During her nine-month-long abduction at age 14, Smart was subjected to daily rapes and endured physical abuse and starvation.—
Cara Lynn Shultz,
PEOPLE,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Kidnappings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kidnappings. Accessed 2 May. 2026.
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