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
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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
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1
2
as in to mother
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of cradle
Kevin J. Farmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025
HBCUs graduate the highest number of Black PhDs in STEM and serve as the cradle of development for some of the most successful and influential professionals in the U.S., such as former Vice President Kamala Harris.
—Kizzy Cox, Essence, 27 Jan. 2025
Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
Ronnie wore a white robe and cradled a cross in his arms.
—Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cradle
Noun
His lightning-quick, single-leg takedown went right into a cradle.
—Kevin J. Farmer, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 Feb. 2025
HBCUs graduate the highest number of Black PhDs in STEM and serve as the cradle of development for some of the most successful and influential professionals in the U.S., such as former Vice President Kamala Harris.
—Kizzy Cox, Essence, 27 Jan. 2025
Verb
In a TikTok video with over 1.3 million views, Julie Nashawaty from Boston shared the moment her husband Steve Granelli cradled Luna in his arms to calm her down during one of her frequent episodes of confusion and crying.
—Matt Robison, Newsweek, 18 Feb. 2025
Ronnie wore a white robe and cradled a cross in his arms.
—Lawrence Wright, The New Yorker, 10 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cradle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cradle
Noun
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Surveillance footage has captured a brazen theft in England, showing robbers taking a golden toilet from the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.—
James Powel,
USA TODAY,
4 Mar. 2025
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But at Delmonico’s, the birthplace of Eggs Benedict, customers are more excited than ever to try new egg dishes.—
Madeline Fitzgerald,
Quartz,
27 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Another source said the cause of his death is unclear.—
Michael Kaplan,
CBS News,
5 Mar. 2025
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Ars' source likened it to holding the only key to the vault of NSF funding.—
Ashley Belanger,
Ars Technica,
5 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Unlike Ophiocordyceps, which forces ants to clamp onto vegetation before a fruiting body erupts from their heads, Gibellula species spread in a finer, more filamentous way, using the entire spider’s body as a fungal scaffolding.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes,
6 Mar. 2025
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Simply clamp and rotate one full turn for the former and half a turn for the latter.—
Stacia Datskovska,
WWD,
3 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Staff Picks: Our 10 Most Anticipated Albums of 2025 Beginning with Ethel Cain, mothers will be mothering all throughout the year.—
James Factora,
Them,
16 Jan. 2025
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Officials estimate that Wisdom has produced 50 to 60 eggs in her lifetime and has mothered as many as 30 chicks.—
Gabriella Rudy,
NBC News,
6 Dec. 2024
Noun
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The eight-episode season is an origin story for the titular king, beginning with a flash forward to his showdown with Goliath (Martyn Ford) before rewinding to his days as a humble shepherd.—
Alison Herman,
Variety,
27 Feb. 2025
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Carrie Underwood is set to remind people of her American Idol origin story ahead of getting behind the judging desk.—
Peter White,
Deadline,
26 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The song, released last Friday (Feb. 21) via Reach Records, showcases raw storytelling over gripping horns and acoustic guitar interplay.—
Isabela Raygoza,
Billboard,
26 Feb. 2025
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Employee engagement and job satisfaction in 2024 were already the lowest in the federal government, and that number is likely to decline even further as uncertainty grips the agency.—
Walter Pavlo,
Forbes,
26 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Upscale features The upscale home’s perks start with a park-like front yard, where a peaceful pond and bridge, grassy areas and a stunning fountain make for a great spot for outdoor picnics — without ever leaving home.—
David Caraccio,
Sacramento Bee,
22 Feb. 2025
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Before a recent game, Harden sat at his locker and looked over at Hyland who had his braided hair in a ponytail on top of his head, spraying out like a fountain.—
Janis Carr,
Orange County Register,
15 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Many elderly parents cling to their independence and their long-time home, viewing any suggestion of moving as an attack on their autonomy.—
Carolyn Rosenblatt,
Forbes,
27 Feb. 2025
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With Roosevelt clinging to a 52-50 lead, Burries made two free throws with 36 seconds left.—
Eric Sondheimer,
Los Angeles Times,
26 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cradle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cradle. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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