canoodling

present participle of canoodle

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for canoodling
Verb
  • The former couple did spend the 2025 holiday season together, with Slater taking to his own Instagram Stories in December to share rare photos of the pop star cuddling with a dog and laughing at a private gathering.
    Bailey Bujnosek, InStyle, 9 June 2026
  • The pair posted more photos of their bundles of joy over the next month, including one of the twins napping in matching Knicks jerseys next to a basketball, and another of the new parents cuddling their babies at home.
    Emy LaCroix, PEOPLE, 8 June 2026
Verb
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 3 to 5 minutes before spooning into bowls.
    The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 20 May 2026
  • Behind the glass counter, a row of women works with quiet efficiency, spooning refried beans, spicy chorizo, and fresh toppings into warm tortillas before passing them back to the cooks to finish on the griddle.
    Carrie Honaker, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • 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
Verb
  • Place reserved lemon slices in pairs on grate, snuggling up against each other.
    Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 3 June 2026
  • Suzette loves playing with feather toys and balls and snuggling in blankets.
    Maryanne Dell, Oc Register, 23 May 2026
Verb
  • The couple posed for photos at the event, drawing attention to their gestating bundle of joy by framing and caressing Palvin’s belly.
    Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
  • Grudda pushed Barkow's wheelchair through the zoo, her hands caressing her mother's shoulders or pointing out the animals.
    ABC News, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Powell tried to open the stall door, and then began fondling himself, frightening the 11-year-old, who tried to leave, but Powell blocked him from getting out.
    Todd Feurer, CBS News, 6 June 2026
  • Antonio Burton, 37, was originally charged with child molesting when the defendant is at least 21 years old, a Level 1 felony, and child molesting, fondling or touching a child under 14, a Level 4 felony.
    Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Sam and Katie Larimer of Lake Bluff brought their daughter Rosie, 2, who spent some time petting Squeeze.
    Karie Angell Luc, Chicago Tribune, 11 May 2026
  • In a follow-up post, Kate and William shared a video of Charlotte, which featured clips of her petting dogs and playing outdoors.
    Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026
Verb
  • The one-sided conversation ended with Hocevar patting Wallace on the shoulder — defusing the tension while offering little remorse.
    ABC News, ABC News, 8 June 2026
  • If raw red onion is too strong for you, let the slices soak in ice water for 15 to 30 minutes before draining, patting dry, and adding to the salad.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 2 June 2026
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.

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Canoodling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canoodling. Accessed 12 Jun. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on canoodling

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster