1
2
as in spoils
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 coddles
While Tony coddles his own bruised ego, there is clearly a greater reason for the cruel hijinks, which comes in the form of some significant cash.
—
David John Chávez, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
David John Chávez, Mercury News, 27 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for coddles
Verb
-
These boils impact the Egyptians and even Pharaoh’s magicians.—
Encyclopedia Britannica,
Encyclopedia Britannica,
31 Mar. 2026
-
Northern Wisconsin roads break up in spring, when frost literally boils out of the ground.—
Dave Duffey,
Outdoor Life,
26 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Pushing too much hostility between team members or pushing Anthony too hard to be the peacekeeper could easily create an ugly atmosphere that spoils the vibe.—
Ben Travers,
IndieWire,
20 Mar. 2026
-
Frozen fruit keeps it affordable year-round and nothing spoils mid-week.—
Allison Palmer,
Kansas City Star,
10 Mar. 2026
Verb
-
Teleportation indulges me due to time efficiency, being able to travel anywhere without cost, and just the experience of being anywhere as soon as someone needs me.—
Rick Cantu,
Austin American Statesman,
7 Apr. 2026
-
Her girlfriend — a writer who understands the emotional and mental demands of creating — indulges her interests.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
2 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
There’s a time and a place for a laborious chili recipe with upwards of 30 ingredients that simmers all day long.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
28 Feb. 2026
-
Black lives don’t matter in Warwick Thornton’s fiercely original outback Western Wolfram, a surprisingly emotional genre piece that simmers with menace and doesn’t let up until the bloody finale.—
Damon Wise,
Deadline,
17 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Her father — struggling with poverty and the grief over his wife's death — wants to shoot it, but Jessica secretly nurses the animal back to health, bringing her closer to her father in the process.—
Domenica Bongiovanni,
IndyStar,
25 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The Old Riverton Post Guesthouse Loft, in an 1860s-era building, pampers travelers with two bedrooms, a full kitchen, dining room, and balcony, all decorated in vintage style and Route 66 touches.—
Ginger Crichton,
Midwest Living,
12 Apr. 2026
-
Infused with the brand’s signature scent—a warm, sophisticated blend of amber, musk, and florals—this shampoo not only cleanses but also pampers the senses.—
Jenny Berg,
Vogue,
24 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
This savory and sweet jam is easy to make and pleases a crowd.—
Alana Al-Hatlani,
Southern Living,
9 Apr. 2026
-
There’s almost never a solution that pleases everyone.—
Robert Niles,
Oc Register,
7 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Each new piece was crafted to be simple, functional, and beautiful, giving parents peace of mind and babies a nurturing space to grow.—
Suzanne Blake,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Dec. 2025
-
Hummers are the smallest and lightest of birds, some weighing no more than a coin, some babies the size of a bean.—
Kate Siber,
Outside,
21 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Coddles.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/coddles. Accessed 19 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
