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 Blarney Castle is, of course, home to the legendary Blarney Stone—a block of limestone built into the castle that’s said to gift eloquence and persuasiveness to whoever kisses it. — Lydia Mansel, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026 In the Midwest, prices are even steeper, kissing $7 per pound. — Claire Malon, Chicago Tribune, 10 July 2026 After being a good boy for a few weeks—kissing a lot of ass, his wife was ready to forgive. — Liza Lentini, SPIN, 10 July 2026 Qualley was first romantically linked with Antonoff in the summer of 2021, after they were spotted kissing in Brooklyn. — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 8 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
  • 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
  • The mommy-daughter duo snuck in some bedtime cuddles in this pic shared for Harper Seven’s birthday in 2025.
    — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026
Definition of cuddle
Verb
  • Gifford tried to brush him off, Harville later told investigators.
    — Amanda Lee Myers, USA Today, 15 July 2026
  • Blaney won the first two stages but brushed the wall with 29 laps remaining, causing possible damage on his right side, after he was cut off by Wallace.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 13 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
  • The ships were directed to take a route along the southern side of the Strait of Hormuz, hugging Oman's coastline, rather than a route along Iran's coastline on the northern side of the strait.
    — Jackie Northam, NPR, 17 July 2026
  • Ronaldo Salgado, son of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was shot and killed by an ICE officer last week, is hugged outside a public visitation for this father on Thursday in Houston.
    — Albinson Linares, NBC news, 17 July 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • The president of the Goldhirsh-Yellin foundation touched on the pair’s love for each other and the world around them.
    — Caroline Zimmerman July 17, Kansas City Star, 18 July 2026
  • The insect naturally turns away when an antenna touches an obstacle.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 18 July 2026
Definition of touch
Verb
  • McLaughlin-Levrone shared more photos of her and her husband snuggling with Savannah on her Instagram Stories.
    — Gabrielle Rockson, PEOPLE, 13 July 2026
  • Both this percale comforter and linen quilt would be perfect for staying cozy yet cool in warm weather, while the snowflake sheet set will add some wintry whimsy that kids will love snuggling into.
    — Brittany VanDerBill, Better Homes & Gardens, 2 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 21 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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