canoodling

verb

present participle of canoodle
as in cuddling

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for canoodling
  1. cuddling
  2. spooning
  3. nuzzling
  4. snuggling
  5. caressing
  6. fondling
  7. petting
  8. patting
Verb
  • The first photo depicted Theron, Jackson, and August cuddling up on a yacht, while the three of them posed for selfies in the next two slides.
    — Hannah Malach, InStyle, 15 July 2026
  • Neill was a performer whose bone-deep decency shone through his work and was amplified in later years by a social-media presence that featured him reminiscing about his career or hanging out with animals on his farm, or maybe cuddling a duck.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 14 July 2026
Definition of cuddling
Verb
  • Carefully turn and cook, spooning butter over, until second side is golden brown and fish is cooked through, about 3 minutes.
    — Alexia Duchêne, Bon Appetit Magazine, 23 July 2026
  • The fun part of this recipe is poking holes in the cake and then spooning in the blueberry and strawberry fillings alternately to create the red, white, and blue effect.
    — Brennan Long, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
Definition of spooning
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
Definition of nuzzling
Verb
  • 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
  • McLaughlin-Levrone shared more photos of her and her husband snuggling with Savannah on her Instagram Stories.
    — Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
Definition of snuggling
Verb
  • In the snap, Portman, who’s expecting her third baby, her first with partner Tanguy Destable, could be seen standing in front of an apartment balcony in an oversized blue button-down, caressing her stomach.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026
  • Pulling out the rocket launcher Mac had bought him on the dark web, Dennis was genuinely overcome, caressing his bucket-list war weapon in stunned gratitude, while Mac beamed in what, on any other show, would be heartwarming friendship.
    — Dennis Perkins, Entertainment Weekly, 28 July 2026
Definition of caressing
Verb
  • The day before, he was accused of kissing and fondling a 15-year-old girl who was on the team, KTUL reported.
    — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026
  • On the same day Gilson sought protection, the mother of a 15-year-old girl filed a separate protective order alleging Duffey, a youth basketball coach, was seen kissing and fondling the teen while alone with her.
    — Staff reports, Oklahoman, 25 July 2026
Definition of fondling
Verb
  • The actor stars in a new social media advertisement for the brand, in which he is shown playing the guitar, looking out on the beach and petting a dog.
    — Chiara Kim, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
  • The farm is also holding a Fairy Festival on July 18 and 19 featuring scavenger hunts, fairy stories and other activities in addition to the usual hayrides, petting farm and pony rides.
    — Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026
Definition of petting
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
Definition of patting
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

canoodles
canoodling
canopied
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Cite this Entry

“Canoodling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/canoodling. Accessed 8 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on canoodling

Nglish: Translation of canoodling for Spanish Speakers

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