CUDDLE Synonyms: 15 Similar and Opposite Words

cuddle

verb

ˈkə-dᵊl

Definition of cuddle

as in to snuggle

to lie close kittens cuddling in a basket

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 cuddle The cats mostly range in age from 8 months old to 2 years old, with some as young as 4 months — and adult guests are free to cuddle, hold and move them around. — Solvej Schou, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026 Eugenie, 36, also confirmed the news in a post on her official Instagram page, which featured a photo of the newborn cuddled up in a pink onesie with angel wings holding onto someone's finger. — Liza Esquibias, USA Today, 4 Aug. 2026 In the living room of their Englewood home, the Bennett family listens to records while cuddling with their cats. — Eleni N. Gage, Architectural Digest, 3 Aug. 2026 To survive the nighttime humidity, cuddle up in this two-piece pajama set that’s only $8. — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for cuddle

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cuddle

snuggle

Verb

Her arc mirrored that of my Mexican immigrant parents, who were also mountain people who grew up in big farming families with no plumbing or electricity, snuggling with siblings during winter nights in unheated bedrooms.

— Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
Sterling could be seen snuggling up to her father as Bronze sat on his lap, while Patrick appeared to be tickling Golden, who lay next to mom Brittany in a flamingo print onesie.

— Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of snuggle

Browse Nearby Words

cuddies

cuddle

cuddled

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cuddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cuddle. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of cuddle

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

conscientious

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes