abductions

plural of abduction
as in kidnappings
the unlawful or forcible carrying away of a person or animal discredited reports of abductions by aliens

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

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 abductions In the past, it's been falsely linked with everything from hurricanes to floods, wildfires and alien abductions. Emma Woollacott, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026 The last year saw the federal government swarm the city with violent immigration raids and abductions. Dominic Patten, Deadline, 20 May 2026 With the case revolving around a slew of child abductions, Peters starred as Charlie, a boy who was kidnapped at a young age and raised by his captors. Rachel Labonte, Entertainment Weekly, 9 June 2026 Zamfara has been a hotspot for armed gangs that carry out kidnappings for ransom, with abductions of students increasing in recent years across the country. ABC News, 4 June 2026 Thankfully, child abductions are rare, but the dogs are used many times to find people with special needs and conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease, Bolling said. David Goodhue, Miami Herald, 10 June 2026 Accompanying the violence, both the Naxals and the security forces – including local militia raised to combat the rebels – have been accused of horrific human rights abuses, including abductions, torture and rape. Dhruv Tikekar, CNN Money, 30 May 2026 There have been 24 fetal abductions reported to the NCMEC in the United States since 1974, according to Steinbach. Elizabeth Yuko, Rolling Stone, 18 June 2026 Richard kept newspaper clippings about their abductions in a locker in his apartment, and authorities later found both fingerprint and DNA evidence connecting him to the crimes, The Washington Post reported. Lynsey Eidell, PEOPLE, 24 June 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
Noun
  • Campus crime data also show the university has recorded more than 100 reported rapes between 2022 and 2024, according to its Annual Security and Fire Safety Reports.
    Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 30 June 2026
  • The statute of limitations on these rapes expired decades ago.
    Joaquin Sapien, ProPublica, 30 June 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abductions.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/abductions. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on abductions

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster