cradle 1 of 2

noun

ˈkrā-dᵊl How to pronounce cradle (audio)
Definition of cradlenext
1
as in birthplace
a place of origin Philadelphia is known as "the cradle of liberty" because it was there that the Declaration of Independence was signed

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in source
a point or place at which something is invented or provided the 1848 meeting at Seneca Falls, New York, is often regarded as the cradle of the women's suffrage movement

Synonyms & Similar Words

cradle

2 of 2

verb

1
as in to clamp

Related Words
2
as in to mother

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 cradle
Noun
The books below will satisfy your bog witch cravings, while also reminding you of the real-world importance of bogs as bulwarks against climate change, cradles of biodiversity, and keepers of ancestral memory. — Literary Hub, 15 Oct. 2026 According to tradition, the day after she was baptized, her cradle was surrounded by a mysterious swarm of white bees, which entered her mouth, but didn't harm her or even wake her up. — Adam Harrington, CBS News, 6 Oct. 2026
Verb
On the wall, a neon sculpture of blue hands cradling a yellow heart framed by the spiky rays of a blue agave plant (Milagro’s icon) seemed to capture the spirit of the evening. — Sari Kamin, Bon Appetit Magazine, 17 June 2026 Julian loved this on the pricier Humanscale Freedom, which felt like someone was cradling his body. — Julian Chokkattu, Wired News, 16 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for cradle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cradle
  1. birthplace
  2. source
  3. clamp
  4. mother
  5. origin
  6. grip
  7. teach
  8. fountain
Noun
  • The Frankfurt Kitchen soon reached an audience beyond its birthplace.
    — Tara Anne Dalbow, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In the spring, the sharks travel north from their wintering and birthplace grounds in Florida and the Carolinas, arriving in the Boston Harbor around mid-July.
    — Asia London Palomba, Christian Science Monitor, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of birthplace
Noun
  • Mobile is obtaining water from an unapproved non-potable water source/hydrant.
    — Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
  • An October 7 analysis by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), drawing on more than 90 Chinese-language sources, traces that process from battlefield observation to publicly visible changes in Chinese preparations.
    — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of source
Verb
  • The movie starts with Farrier reporting on Bashford Antiques, a shop in Ponsonby that has begun aggressively clamping cars in its lot and demanding exorbitant fees to release them — up to $760.
    — Terrence O'Brien, The Verge, 18 Oct. 2026
  • Once the stock is clamped, a Structured-Light sensor and a workpiece probe measure it and set the work offset automatically, so there are no stock dimensions to type in and no edges to find by hand.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 14 Oct. 2026
Definition of clamp
Verb
  • Within this supreme divine presence, each child, and every parent, as the spiritual expression of God, is tenderly fathered and mothered.
    — The Christian Science Monitor, Christian Science Monitor, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The new cub's arrival marks the first time Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium has had a lion birth since July 2020, when lioness Abana mothered three cubs.
    — Finch Walker, USA Today, 17 June 2026
Definition of mother
Noun
  • Theoretical arguments suggest that a substantial part, if not all, of the randomness in the world is of quantum origin.
    — Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026
  • For anyone who grinds fresh every morning and chases single-origin lots, online talk about mold and mycotoxins in coffee tends to raise a practical question about how the stuff gets onto beans in the first place.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of origin
Verb
  • And the dynamic in the candidates’ race to capture swing voters reflects the national debate gripping both parties about how moderate to be.
    — Justine McDaniel, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • If presented with something to grip, even unconsciously, many jaws will.
    — Alessandra Codinha, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of grip
Verb
  • Turn that knowledge into teaching moments for the people who lead you.
    — Brian Jenney, IEEE Spectrum, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Technical knowledge can be taught and examined but the skills Freebairn values most, such as influencing, persuading, and negotiating, cannot.
    — Sam Birchall, Fortune, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of teach
Noun
  • The space, inspired by traditional Andalusian patios (complete with Mudejar-style fountains and orange trees), is a lovely retreat in the heart of the city.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 22 Oct. 2026
  • The sunny front porch, which overlooks a community fountain and gazebo on a stretch of land that replicates a New England town green, only adds to its appeal.
    — James Alexander, Hartford Courant, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of fountain

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Cite this Entry

“Cradle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cradle. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on cradle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cradle

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