nuzzling

verb

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
  1. snuggling
  2. cuddling
  3. nestling
Verb
  • Activities and entertainment Most passengers on Star Breeze are content to sit in the pool sipping cocktails, or snuggling in a clamshell lounger with a good book.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
  • In one clip obtained by People at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, Parker is seen snuggling up to a puppy when Cooper approaches them.
    — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 16 July 2026
Definition of snuggling
Verb
  • Wilson and Nicolette could be seen cuddling together in a chair, holding their newborn baby girl in the photo.
    — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 7 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
Definition of cuddling
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
Definition of nestling

Browse Nearby Words

nuzzles
nuzzling
nymph
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Cite this Entry

“Nuzzling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nuzzling. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on nuzzling

Nglish: Translation of nuzzling for Spanish Speakers

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