CRADLES Synonyms: 125 Similar and Opposite Words

cradles 1 of 2

noun

plural of cradle

as in birthplaces

a place of origin Philadelphia is known as "the cradle of liberty" because it was there that the Declaration of Independence was signed

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as in sources

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

cradles

2 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of cradle

as in clings

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as in fathers

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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 cradles

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 Soft, dynamic cushioning cradles your feet with every step while providing maximum support, providing transition assistance between launch and landing. — Amelia McBride, Travel + Leisure, 29 Aug. 2026 Egypt, one of the word’s cradles of civilization, is also a vibrant, modern country. — Michael Goldstein, Forbes.com, 12 June 2026 This 10-pack of plastic melon cradles was a lifesaver last year once my pumpkins started maturing late July. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 June 2026 The simulations also tracked how matter moves through stellar cradles. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 1 June 2026 The best way to store a boat on land is to leave it on a trailer or place it on jack stands and cradles. — Orlando Sentinel Staff, The Orlando Sentinel, 24 May 2026 In the sweet video, Steinfeld lifts her black sweatshirt to reveal her baby bump, which her husband then kisses and cradles; the two frolic in the snow looking so in love. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 2 Apr. 2026 Cellphone mounts or cradles allow people to access their mobile devices at all times. — Rachel Swan, San Francisco Chronicle, 17 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cradles

Noun

WalletHub analyst Chip Lupo said states can be diverse in ways that are not always immediately apparent, including differences in residents' ages, birthplaces, languages, jobs and family structures.

— Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026
More than simply a source of beans — the Yergacheffe variety is popular — Yemen is often considered one of coffee’s historic birthplaces.

— Christopher Hassiotis, AJC.com, 18 June 2026

Definition of birthplaces

Noun

Many of the office’s attorneys, particularly in its misdemeanor corps, work with basement-level spirits, according to one of the sources.

— Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Oct. 2026
Last month, citing anonymous sources, Reuters reported that Solidigm was holding pitch meetings with investment banks for an IPO that could value the company at up to $150 billion.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 24 Oct. 2026

Definition of sources

Verb

By roasting the brussels sprouts snuggled into a blanket of grated Parmesan cheese, the cheese melts into a crispy, frico-like sheet that clings onto the sprouts, surrounding them in a lace-like halo.

— Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Oct. 2026
Sigurd’s departure only deepens this cynicism, which Livia clings to for 27 years — until the pair reconnect on the phone for a truly excruciating conversation.

— Sam Worley, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of clings

Verb

Saturday Night Live host Matt Damon was cast as the adoring husband in Mom, an entirely inoffensive movie where nothing bad happens—something that mothers everywhere will enjoy.

— William Vaillancourt, Rolling Stone, 10 May 2026
Some parents − overwhelmingly mothers − are stepping back from full-time work or leaving the workforce altogether to accommodate the needs of their family.

— Madeline Mitchell, USA Today, 27 Apr. 2026

Definition of mothers

Noun

Cooke does his best to dramatize these origins, often through dry humor, but the personalities involved don’t quite rise to the level of an Aaron Sorkin drama.

— Julian Lucas, New Yorker, 21 Oct. 2026
Episode four of VisionQuest digs into Butcherbird’s origins and identity while raising fresh questions about her.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of origins

Noun

The DreamCloud Premier Hybrid Mattress ultimately reigns supreme after years of testing, thanks to its combination of body-contouring foam layers, supportive springs, and a plush Euro top cover.

— Nashia Baker, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026
But there's still plant life to be found, especially around the Hoanib River, an ephemeral river that only flows on the surface following heavy rain—though water persists underground both in the river and in springs.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 Oct. 2026

Definition of springs

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“Cradles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cradles. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of cradles

noun

verb

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