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

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

One example from the book that illustrates Perel’s tough-love approach was a couple who loved to cuddle, wearing comfortable clothes such as flannel nightgowns to unwind. — Marisa Meltzer, Vanity Fair, 26 June 2026

Yet, just as quickly as the wrestling matches start, Dreyer will find the boys choosing to cuddle up with each other. — Lauren Brown West-Rosenthal, Parents, 24 June 2026