nuzzling

present participle of nuzzle
as in snuggling
to lie close newborn puppies nuzzling against their mother to stay warm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 nuzzling West begins nuzzling her, and the two kiss. Marlow Stern, Variety, 20 May 2026 In the end, an Australian photographer claimed the top prize for capturing a tender moment of elephant seal pups nuzzling in a rockpool. Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026 The video shows his two pet dogs, with a mutt named Thunder in the lead, nuzzling open a sliding door to get outside into the yard. CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025 The Saint Bernards gently lie down beside him, licking and nuzzling him affectionately. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nuzzling
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
Verb
  • The proud mom shared pictures of her and Green cuddling their little one in the hospital room, concealing the newborn’s face in the snaps.
    Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
  • Among pictures of the couple cuddling their baby boy, the proud mother also shared a photo of Pinault introducing Hayek to her newborn grandson.
    Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 14 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Add a striking focal point by nestling a statue fountain between groups of colorful flowers or lively foliage.
    Savanna Bous, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Aug. 2026
  • Game by game, San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama is nestling himself into historical statistical company alongside some of the most vaunted NBA names ever.
    Devon Henderson, New York Times, 19 May 2026

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Cite this Entry

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

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