as in caressed
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
a cat who enjoys being fondled by his loving owners
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
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 fondled
Police reported that Zagorac touched the student’s rear, put his hand under his shirt and rubbed his back and fondled him outside his clothing after calling him up to the teacher’s desk to talk about an assignment.
—
Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
The lawsuits claim Clyne groomed the children, fondled their genitals under their clothes and without gloves and masturbated in front of them, according to court documents.
—Jeremy Loudenback, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
Some tools are made to be admired and fondled as much as they're made to actually be used.
—Ben Coxworth
october 10, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2025
Olivia Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 30 Jan. 2026
The lawsuits claim Clyne groomed the children, fondled their genitals under their clothes and without gloves and masturbated in front of them, according to court documents.
—Jeremy Loudenback, Mercury News, 20 Jan. 2026
Some tools are made to be admired and fondled as much as they're made to actually be used.
—Ben Coxworth
october 10, New Atlas, 10 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fondled
Verb
-
In a video shared by the Broncos from the unveiling, Smith is seen carefully caressed the statue of her son's face just after the curtain drops.—
Natasha Dye,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
-
In one photo, the couple posed on the beach while Wyatt caressed her growing baby bump.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
-
After a short conversation, the two patted each other on the head a couple of times and separated, each heading toward his respective locker room.—
Chris Biderman,
Sacbee.com,
31 Jan. 2026
-
His attorney also submitted a video of Banfield learning of his wife's death, crying at times into his bloodied hands while a doctor patted his back.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
30 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Influenced by her Indian heritage, Japanese craft philosophy, and the traditions of Shetland knitting, her work is highly distinctive and also wholly wearable; David and I stroked scarves, asymmetric wraps, and sweaters with yearning.—
Sarah Moss,
Travel + Leisure,
11 Jan. 2026
-
Trump’s allies have always stroked his ego to get their way.—
Chris Brennan,
USA Today,
11 Dec. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Fondled.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fondled. Accessed 15 Feb. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
