Synonyms of cuddle

cuddle

verb

ˈkə-dᵊl 

as in to snuggle

to lie close

kittens cuddling in a basket

Synonyms & Similar Words

• snuggle
• nestle
• nuzzle
• snoozle
• curl up
• huddle
• crouch

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• shrink
• shy
• start
• flinch
• recoil
• wince
• quail
• blench

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of cuddle

As Kelce stopped in one of the Plaza Hotel’s rooms to drop his bags in the video, he was greeted by the dog, who looked up at the NFL star before cuddling in alongside him on the couch. — Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 1 Sep. 2026

Go with a classic like Spongebob so your kids can cuddle this ugly buddy while cozying up with their favorite cartoon. — ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026

In another photo, Osbourne cuddled her 3-year-old son, Sidney, while aboard a boat. — Danielle Minnetian, FOXNews.com, 17 Aug. 2026

The cats mostly range in age from 8 months old to 2 years old, with some as young as 4 months — and adult guests are free to cuddle, hold and move them around. — Solvej Schou, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2026