1
2
as in to spoil
to treat with great or excessive care
accused the judiciary of coddling criminals
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of coddle
Increasingly, schools in California excessively coddle students by neglecting to impose penalties for late work, eliminating the possibility for a failing grade, and unlimited opportunities to redo exams and assignments.
—
Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
Goetz understood this disorder not as the product of scant civic resources or state retreat but rather as the result of liberal misrule—do-gooder bureaucrats, failed social programs, and a city that had coddled the undeserving and the criminal.
—Heather Ann Thompson, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
Then, in Los Angeles earlier this month, his locks were changed and the actor is now in need of a new permanent home to hang his designer cowboy hat and coddle his pets.
—Steve Garbarino, HollywoodReporter, 22 Jan. 2026
As recently as last April, Narasimhan told analysts on a conference call that Most Favored Nation pricing would be devastating for America, where drug companies had been coddled.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for coddle
Rafael Perez, Oc Register, 31 Jan. 2026
Goetz understood this disorder not as the product of scant civic resources or state retreat but rather as the result of liberal misrule—do-gooder bureaucrats, failed social programs, and a city that had coddled the undeserving and the criminal.
—Heather Ann Thompson, The Atlantic, 26 Jan. 2026
Then, in Los Angeles earlier this month, his locks were changed and the actor is now in need of a new permanent home to hang his designer cowboy hat and coddle his pets.
—Steve Garbarino, HollywoodReporter, 22 Jan. 2026
As recently as last April, Narasimhan told analysts on a conference call that Most Favored Nation pricing would be devastating for America, where drug companies had been coddled.
—Jim Cramer, CNBC, 18 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for coddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coddle
Verb
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When the ale has boiled, pour over the eggs very slowly at first to prevent curdling, then pour backwards and forwards until the mixture appears all alike and smooth.—
Jay R. Brooks,
Mercury News,
30 Mar. 2026
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The research team tested water both before and after boiling and found that although lead levels remained below federal action thresholds, the process did not eliminate the risk of metal exposure.—
Bridget Shirvell,
Hartford Courant,
29 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Russo places a few dry paper towels in the bag to absorb excess moisture and prevent spoiling.—
Randi Gollin,
Martha Stewart,
2 Apr. 2026
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Choosing among loud, louder and loudest shirts, then contemplating whether to go with jorts or florts (don’t ask) and selecting the appropriate socks and crocs, Black finally is ready to go until Sarah Sherman shows up to spoil things.—
Greg Evans,
Deadline,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Many of these gorgeous animals have been rescued from poaching, drought, or human-wildlife conflict, and this series documents their journey back to health—and the wild.—
Jessica Radloff,
Glamour,
1 Apr. 2026
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Justin realizes that poaching artichokes in wine is delicious; Laurence perfects crispy rice; Sieger figures out how to get Tom to eat okra.—
Roxana Hadadi,
Vulture,
31 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Being gentle with yourself is a form of bravery, so go ahead and indulge your softer side.—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
3 Apr. 2026
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Her girlfriend — a writer who understands the emotional and mental demands of creating — indulges her interests.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Make a satisfying cook’s choice stewed fruit bowl to break up the monotony using dried, canned and even frozen fruits.—
Mary Ann Esposito,
Boston Herald,
11 Mar. 2026
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After nine episodes spent stewing in suspicion, the CBS legal drama has released the tension from one of its biggest secrets and forced Julian into action.—
Alison Foreman,
IndieWire,
27 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Vientos manned first base Thursday with Jorge Polanco still nursing a sore Achilles tendon.—
Abbey Mastracco,
New York Daily News,
2 Apr. 2026
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Wiseman was married to nurse Carroll Taylor, who died of cancer in 2020.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
1 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Or a miserable 48 in the case of the Rangers, still simmering in Philadelphia.—
Kevin Sherrington
Mar. 27,
Dallas Morning News,
27 Mar. 2026
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Bring to a boil and simmer about 20 minutes, then stir in pomegranate molasses.—
Judy Bart Kancigor,
Oc Register,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
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If getting pampered isn’t your thing, the 18-hole Championship golf course is popular and has hosted PGA and LPGA events.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 Apr. 2026
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On a recent flight, I was pampered with five windows plus a separate armchair and chaise-style sofa that combine to form what the airline bills as the longest seat in commercial aviation.—
Michael Verdon,
Robb Report,
28 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Coddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coddle. Accessed 3 Apr. 2026.
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