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
  • Diadiuk collects rainwater, strains it through gauze, treats it with chlorine and boils it.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 2 Nov. 2026
  • Nutritional profiles can vary by type of carrot or sweet potato, preparation method (raw, boiled, roasted), and portion size.
    — Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 2 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
  • As European society indulges its whims, the continent hurtles unthinkingly toward a devastating war.
    — Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Neither party can be proud of its recent impact on the federal judiciary; the Republicans seek youthful doctrinaires, and the Democrats indulge racial and gender preferences.
    — George Liebmann, Baltimore Sun, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of indulge
Verb
  • 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
  • Meanwhile, in the background, favorable sentiments about statement pieces have been stewing.
    — Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 20 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
  • Add the cardamom and continue to simmer, stirring occasionally, until the rhubarb is completely broken down and the jam has thickened, about 25 minutes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Nov. 2026
  • But Langley’s affection for his hometown hasn’t kept his company from drawing, even in Atlanta, the kinds of criticism over issues of privacy, mistakes and misuse that have been simmering nationwide.
    — Graham Hurley, CNN Money, 1 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
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Cite this Entry

“Coddle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coddle. Accessed 10 Nov. 2026.

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