canoodling

verb

present participle of canoodle
as in cuddling

Related Words

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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
  • In several photos and videos from the day, the couple was seen holding hands, cuddling, and kissing; at one point, Travis also lifted Taylor up by the waist.
    — Alicia Brunker, InStyle, 3 July 2026
  • Video shows Neil flopping his blubbery body around on the street, destroying fences and cuddling with traffic cones.
    — Julia Gomez, USA Today, 1 July 2026
Definition of cuddling
Verb
  • 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
  • Make the most of strawberry season by swirling a quick sauce into vanilla ice cream and spooning more on top.
    — Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 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
  • Both this percale comforter and linen quilt would be perfect for staying cozy yet cool in warm weather, while the snowflake sheet set will add some wintry whimsy that kids will love snuggling into.
    — Brittany VanDerBill, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 July 2026
  • For the next few days, while my toddler felt miserable, he and I were mostly holed up in the room snuggling while the rest of my family got sun-kissed at the beach with their cousins.
    — Kris Ann Valdez, Parents, 18 June 2026
Definition of snuggling
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
Definition of caressing
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
Definition of fondling
Verb
  • 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
  • The clip appears to show a woman wearing a pink swimsuit paddling a kayak and petting an alligator at Silver Springs State Park in Marion County.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 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 17 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on canoodling

Nglish: Translation of canoodling for Spanish Speakers

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