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
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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
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Recent Examples of ropes
Julie Bielenberg, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Dupont brewed a variety of beers from the very beginning, but by the 1970s, saison was on the ropes, representing only about 2% of the company’s sales, while no one else was brewing it.
—Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026
Later, on our drive home, Ingrid tells me about the aerial silk ropes installed in the beams of the family’s living room ceiling and promises to put on an acrobatics show worthy of its own write-up.
—Namir Khaliq, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Vidovic rarely brings freshmen up on varsity to start a season, so having good leadership to show DeHoyos the ropes is vital.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Hiking with a nine-time Everest guide who outfits us with ice axes, ropes, harnesses, and crampons and leads us up a spur—where no other people have been this season—for our own bite-size moment of glory.
—Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2026
In addition to Eustachewich, the Post’s upper editorial ranks are littered with former runners who say there is nowhere better to learn the ropes.
—Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 29 Mar. 2026
Thousands of skilled and motivated workers are needed, all of whom know the ropes and can pass their knowledge on.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Equally challenging is the five-hour nature trail at Masungi Georeserve in Rizal, which combines uphill climbing, a high-flying ropes course, and a series of hanging bridges in the jungle.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
Noun
Close to Rocky Mountain National Park, this all-inclusive guest ranch has everything from classic ranch activities like trail rides to surprising options such as a ropes course and zip line.
—Julie Bielenberg, USA Today, 4 Apr. 2026
Dupont brewed a variety of beers from the very beginning, but by the 1970s, saison was on the ropes, representing only about 2% of the company’s sales, while no one else was brewing it.
—Jay R. Brooks, Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2026
Later, on our drive home, Ingrid tells me about the aerial silk ropes installed in the beams of the family’s living room ceiling and promises to put on an acrobatics show worthy of its own write-up.
—Namir Khaliq, Big Think, 31 Mar. 2026
Vidovic rarely brings freshmen up on varsity to start a season, so having good leadership to show DeHoyos the ropes is vital.
—Jeff Vorva, Chicago Tribune, 30 Mar. 2026
Hiking with a nine-time Everest guide who outfits us with ice axes, ropes, harnesses, and crampons and leads us up a spur—where no other people have been this season—for our own bite-size moment of glory.
—Laura Dannen Redman, Robb Report, 29 Mar. 2026
In addition to Eustachewich, the Post’s upper editorial ranks are littered with former runners who say there is nowhere better to learn the ropes.
—Brendan Ruberry, semafor.com, 29 Mar. 2026
Thousands of skilled and motivated workers are needed, all of whom know the ropes and can pass their knowledge on.
—Edward Lotterman, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2026
Equally challenging is the five-hour nature trail at Masungi Georeserve in Rizal, which combines uphill climbing, a high-flying ropes course, and a series of hanging bridges in the jungle.
—Condé Nast Traveler, 28 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for ropes
Noun
-
Emma is a literary editor, though the specifics are awfully vague—a late subplot involving challenges on the job feels particularly superficial—and her love for literature seems to begin and end with that novel in the café.—
Justin Chang,
New Yorker,
2 Apr. 2026
-
None of the projections include specifics about the number of jobs that could be affected by the adoption of the company’s tools.—
Dade Hayes,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Lawmakers reject a bill that ties students’ attendance to driver’s licenses.—
Adam Beam,
AJC.com,
3 Apr. 2026
-
Air India is preparing to roll out a policy that ties cabin crew eligibility to Body Mass Index (BMI) standards — a policy that's generating controversy and comment.—
Jessica Mekles,
FOXNews.com,
2 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Part of the beauty in these bonds is the ability to be truly seen and known—quirks and all.—
Helen Carefoot,
Flow Space,
31 Mar. 2026
-
That included removing, repairing and replacing the building’s tin roof tiles — which look like clay — and maintaining the original window casings, matching the stucco and preserving quirks like porthole windows.—
Sal Pizarro,
Mercury News,
28 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
That personal history threads through everything about The Person Who Believed in Me.—
H. Alan Scott,
MSNBC Newsweek,
30 Mar. 2026
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Another option is the Kiwanis Trail that threads its way through a shallow, cupped canyon.—
Roger Naylor,
AZCentral.com,
21 Feb. 2026
Verb
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What makes barrel jeans popular is their wide, tapered fit that curves out around the mid-leg and then cinches in at the ankle.—
India Roby,
InStyle,
16 Feb. 2026
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The three compressions are Spanxsmooth Swim, which is light compression for barely there smoothing; Spanxshape Swim, medium compression for a little more tummy control and shaping, and Spanxsculpt Swim, strong compression that cinches and snatches.—
Lisa Lockwood,
Footwear News,
11 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Ropes.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/ropes. Accessed 5 Apr. 2026.
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