Thesaurus results for FONDLING

fondling

verb

present participle of fondle

as in caressing

to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner a cat who enjoys being fondled by his loving owners

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 fondling The day before, he was accused of kissing and fondling a 15-year-old girl who was on the team, KTUL reported. — Theresa Braine, New York Daily News, 26 July 2026 On the same day Gilson sought protection, the mother of a 15-year-old girl filed a separate protective order alleging Duffey, a youth basketball coach, was seen kissing and fondling the teen while alone with her. — Staff Reports, Oklahoman, 25 July 2026 Powell tried to open the stall door, and then began fondling himself, frightening the 11-year-old, who tried to leave, but Powell blocked him from getting out. — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 6 June 2026 Antonio Burton, 37, was originally charged with child molesting when the defendant is at least 21 years old, a Level 1 felony, and child molesting, fondling or touching a child under 14, a Level 4 felony. — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026 Worse is to come as Waaler insists on creepily fondling her cooling corpse — and makes Hole to do the same. — K.j. Yossman, Variety, 27 Mar. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for fondling

Verb

In one video, pop singer Madison Beer was seen caressing Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's face as if the two were shooting a scene straight out of a reality show.

— Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
In the snap, Portman, who’s expecting her third baby, her first with partner Tanguy Destable, could be seen standing in front of an apartment balcony in an oversized blue button-down, caressing her stomach.

— Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 29 July 2026

Definition of caressing

Verb

Guests have reported footsteps in the attic, the feeling of someone stroking their face, a shower rode repeatedly flying off the wall and loud noises from outside the front door when no one is there.

— Kaitlyn Keegan, Hartford Courant, 25 Sep. 2026
There was only one other visitor, another mother stroking another small head.

— Fran Moreland Johns, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026

Definition of stroking

Verb

In this case, there’s no swiping or rubbing at all—just let the pads sit and soak in for a few minutes before gently patting in the excess.

— Jenny Jin, Glamour, 29 Sep. 2026
His goal late against the Leafs was due and showed his hands and dexterity for a big man taking a puck off the wall and patting it in at the post.

— Scott Wheeler, New York Times, 14 Sep. 2026

Definition of patting

Browse Nearby Words

fondles

fondling

fondness

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Style

“Fondling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fondling. Accessed 4 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of fondling

verb

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