coddle

verb

ˈkä-dᵊl How to pronounce coddle (audio)
Definition of coddlenext
1
as in to boil
to cook in a liquid heated to the point that it gives off steam a hearty, traditional breakfast that included coddled eggs

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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

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 coddle Serrano comes across as someone with no inclination to coddle elite students. — Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2026 Unlike humans, digital creations don’t need to be pampered, fed or emotionally coddled. — Joy Press, Vanity Fair, 6 July 2026 They shouldn’t be coddled; instead, they should be challenged. — Candace Buckner, New York Times, 24 June 2026 This lifestyle caused many citizens to accuse the military of coddling the enemy. — Helaine Williams, Arkansas Online, 20 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for coddle
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coddle
  1. boil
  2. spoil
  3. poach
  4. indulge
  5. stew
  6. nurse
  7. simmer
  8. pamper
Verb
  • Back at camp, the percolator hadn’t even started boiling when another herd came over the far ridgeline, headed right for that creek.
    — Tyler Freel, Outdoor Life, 10 Nov. 2026
  • Add 2 tablespoons of the salt, and bring to a boil over high; boil until potatoes are tender when pierced using a fork, 12 to 15 minutes; drain.
    — Elizabeth Mervosh, Southern Living, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of boil
Verb
  • Pre-cut produce also spoils faster and often costs more than buying the same item whole.
    — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Pius Suter scored with 59 seconds to play for the Blues to spoil Garand's shutout bid.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of spoil
Verb
  • Netflix has hired Roberto Stanichi as its vice president of consumer products and experiences, poaching him away from his role as Mattel’s chief marketing and brand officer.
    — Corbin Bolies, Variety, 5 Nov. 2026
  • Yormark was hired in August 2022, part of a new wave of college sports leaders being poached because of their pro sports experience.
    — Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico.com, 30 Oct. 2026
Definition of poach
Verb
  • For those looking to indulge with fewer calories, the luxury retailer and the restaurant collaborated on a capsule collection of limited-edition T-shirts, baseball caps and tote bags.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 7 Nov. 2026
  • Inside Faena Forum, the experience continued with opportunities to indulge the senses.
    — Walaa Elsiddig, Billboard, 6 Nov. 2026
Definition of indulge
Verb
  • The cover art for The Holy Cross Tigers is awash in burgundy, a more ambiguous shade that’s indicative of the oppositional emotions stewing within.
    — Stuart Berman, Pitchfork, 5 Nov. 2026
  • The Fighting Irish have had a couple weeks to stew over what happened at BYU and will take it out on an underperforming Navy defense.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of stew
Verb
  • With Sam Darnold nursing a quad injury that could hold him out for a few weeks, the Seattle Seahawks are turning to former Broncos quarterback Drew Lock against the Arizona Cardinals.
    — Sam Jane, Denver Post, 6 Nov. 2026
  • Ahead of Wednesday night’s game against the Buffalo Sabres, Ridly Greig was nursing his own lower-body injury, and Tyler Kleven was too sick to play.
    — Julian McKenzie, New York Times, 5 Nov. 2026
Definition of nurse
Verb
  • Hegseth impeachment Anger toward Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, which was simmering before the elections, boiled over after the GOP's crippling losses, with intense criticism over his strategy in the Iran war.
    — Kaia Hubbard, CBS News, 9 Nov. 2026
  • The bones are then added to a pot with fresh thyme and black peppercorns, covered with cold water, and simmered on low heat overnight.
    — Heather Riske, Better Homes & Gardens, 8 Nov. 2026
Definition of simmer
Verb
  • These days, the playing field has widened considerably, with gentle chemical formulas and K-beauty options designed to pamper and protect the skin.
    — Iman Balagam, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2026
  • At one point luxury travel meant being able to be anywhere and have the comforts of your office—yachts and Aman resorts offer satellite service and Wi-Fi so that you can be pampered but still take a meeting or be active in the family group chat.
    — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of pamper

Browse Nearby Words

codas
coddle
coddled
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Coddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coddle. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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