kiss

verb

ˈkis How to pronounce kiss (audio)
Definition of kissnext
1
as in to cuddle
to touch one another with the lips as a sign of love it's traditional for couples to kiss under the mistletoe at Christmastime

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to brush
to pass lightly across or touch gently especially in passing a gentle breeze kissing the water's surface

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 kiss Perez tried to kiss her, Bravata said, and Bravata turned her head. — Molly Hensley-Clancy, ProPublica, 13 Aug. 2026 In her lawsuit, Walters alleges Manson, whose real name is Brian Warner, pushed her onto a bed in May 2010, pinned her arms, and tried to kiss her before moving behind her, biting her ear, and forcing her hand into his underwear. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026 Stewart and Meyer hard-launched their romance back in 2019, when Meyer shared a Polaroid picture of them kissing via Instagram. — Shania Russell, Entertainment Weekly, 11 Aug. 2026 The agency launched one investigation into DPS last year after the district built a gender-neutral bathroom at East High School and a second Title IX probe in July after a teacher was accused of making female students kiss each other in class. — Jessica Seaman, Denver Post, 10 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for kiss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kiss
  1. cuddle
  2. brush
  3. smooch
  4. caress
  5. hug
  6. touch
  7. snuggle
Verb
  • 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
  • Wilson and Nicolette could be seen cuddling together in a chair, holding their newborn baby girl in the photo.
    — Hannah Sacks, PEOPLE, 7 Aug. 2026
Definition of cuddle
Verb
  • Russian lawmaker Andrei Gurulyov brushed off reports of a possible autumn mobilization.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 12 Aug. 2026
  • Additionally, no system is 100% maintenance-free; homeowners still need to brush off leaves that settle on top of the guards occasionally.
    — Nick Perry, USA Today, 11 Aug. 2026
Definition of brush
Verb
  • After schlepping his way up to P-town, spying on Nancy smooching a guy from work, and being thrown out of a local eatery known as the Flagship for drunken assholery, Bourdain begins his journey in earnest.
    — David Fear, Rolling Stone, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Luchasaurus dressed in a wig and nearly smooched Andrade El Idolo.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
Definition of smooch
Verb
  • Kikuko cried out as her father’s hand slowly caressed her chest.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 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 caress
Verb
  • Mills was crowned the winner and the teammates hugged out their differences.
    — PJ Green, Kansas City Star, 13 Aug. 2026
  • The audience broke into cheers during the impromptu duet and as the pair hugged before Sudeikis headed back into the crowd.
    — Charisma Madarang, Rolling Stone, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • Onstage at the event, Bratt touched on the new movie’s storyline.
    — Matt Minton, Variety, 15 Aug. 2026
  • The recall announcement directed consumers to wash and sanitize any containers that may have come into contact with the affected product, and wash and sanitize hands and utensils that may have touched the product.
    — Mason Leib, ABC News, 14 Aug. 2026
Definition of touch
Verb
  • Activities and entertainment Most passengers on Star Breeze are content to sit in the pool sipping cocktails, or snuggling in a clamshell lounger with a good book.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 12 Aug. 2026
  • The agency also urges keeping backyard poultry and chameleon supplies and habitats clean, and suggests that no one of any age kiss or snuggle their chameleons or chickens.
    — Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 6 Aug. 2026
Definition of snuggle

Phrases Containing kiss

Browse Nearby Words

kismets
kiss
kissable
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Cite this Entry

“Kiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kiss. Accessed 18 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on kiss

Nglish: Translation of kiss for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kiss

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