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 Photos of the two of them kissing and lying in bed were shown in court. — Andrew Dalton, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026 Apple launched Digital Touch to iPhones in 2014, allowing users to send animated sketches, taps and kisses to others. — Greta Cross, USA Today, 24 July 2026 Because his wife, Brooklyn Decker, is in the Nick-Jess first kiss episode. — Marlow Stern, Variety, 24 July 2026 Beneath red tinsel and in the dim glow of club lighting, six young couples kiss, each seemingly wrapped up in their own little worlds. — Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 22 July 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
  • To survive the nighttime humidity, cuddle up in this two-piece pajama set that’s only $8.
    — Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 17 July 2026
  • Neill was a performer whose bone-deep decency shone through his work and was amplified in later years by a social-media presence that featured him reminiscing about his career or hanging out with animals on his farm, or maybe cuddling a duck.
    — Brian Tallerico, Vulture, 14 July 2026
Definition of cuddle
Verb
  • Instead, when you’re done brushing, just spit out that excess toothpaste and let the small amount left over stay on your teeth.
    — Maggie Ryan, Flow Space, 23 July 2026
  • The technology used to establish factual decisions proved effective, notwithstanding the complaints from Croatia and Norway about whether the ball had indeed brushed a strand of hair against Portugal or hit an overhead cable against England.
    — Graham Scott, New York Times, 22 July 2026
Definition of brush
Verb
  • Luchasaurus dressed in a wig and nearly smooched Andrade El Idolo.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
  • The late-night host has been on a hilarious smooching spree during his second-to-last week on the air, kissing several guests in recent days.
    — Brendan Morrow, USA Today, 13 May 2026
Definition of smooch
Verb
  • After examining her injury, Brito began to caress and massage Patient 1’s foot under the guise of providing care.
    — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 28 June 2026
  • Richer, more concentrated Prosecco with delectable flavors of nectarine tart and apricot preserves with intense minerality and delicate bubbles that caress the palate.
    — Cathrine Todd, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026
Definition of caress
Verb
  • Villagers hugged trees to save them from being cut and to promote sustainable use, regeneration, and protection of forest resources.
    — Aman Kumar, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 July 2026
  • Even Christmas brought misery in the form of an ICE agent dressed up as Santa, who shoved away children trying to hug him, according to the detainee declarations submitted to the court.
    — Sonja Sharp, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • Orduno also recommends starting with small strokes and letting the liner dry completely before layering or touching the area to prevent smudging.
    — Marci Robin, Allure, 24 July 2026
  • Under cross-examination by Burke’s defense lawyer, Blair Berk, Tosch acknowledged that DNA can be transferred to an object without a person touching it directly.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 24 July 2026
Definition of touch
Verb
  • Another shot showed twins Keith and Kameron Rochefort from DeMotte, in matching green and light blue swim trunks, snuggled together on a pool float with a beach ball nearby.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
  • In one clip obtained by People at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2025, Parker is seen snuggling up to a puppy when Cooper approaches them.
    — Giovana Gelhoren, InStyle, 16 July 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 28 Jul. 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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