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
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 kidnappings
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
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kidnappings
Noun
-
In the past, it's been falsely linked with everything from hurricanes to floods, wildfires and alien abductions.
-
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.
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.
-
The statute of limitations on these rapes expired decades ago.
Cite this Entry
“Kidnappings.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kidnappings. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
