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 This magic was made complete as a rainbow appeared in the sky once the brides kissed. — Shelby Wax, Vogue, 3 Nov. 2026 Another sweet snapshot shows the singer kissing her partner on the forehead. — Mitchell Peters, Billboard, 3 Nov. 2026 And yet, the ball still fell a few inches short, kissing the front of the United Center rim. — Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune, 30 Oct. 2026 The friends made headlines several times over the years for so openly showing affection to each other, frequently kissing on the lips at red carpet events. — Selome Hailu, Variety, 30 Oct. 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
  • But yes, getting to cuddle a puppy is obviously part of the appeal.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
  • The second image the Big Bang Theory alum shared was of Philomena being cuddled by her big sister, Matilda, whom Cuoco and her actor fiancé Tom Pelphrey, 44, welcomed in March 2023.
    — Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 20 Oct. 2026
Definition of cuddle
Verb
  • The marinade combines tamarind purée, fish sauce, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and cumin, with extra glaze brushed on for maximum flavor and char.
    — Rachel Gurjar, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 Nov. 2026
  • There are no little bulges to accommodate the eyes, just cozy silk brushing lightly against my eyelids.
    — Jenny Hughes, The Spruce, 29 Oct. 2026
Definition of brush
Verb
  • In July, Powell also shared a sweet photo of himself and Randolph smooching in a Fourth of July photo dump.
    — Leigh Blickley, Entertainment Weekly, 3 Sep. 2026
  • The vinyl edition comes with some special gatefold artwork that appears to show Winter smooching Carnegie Hall’s namesake and builder, Andrew Carnegie.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026
Definition of smooch
Verb
  • The most sensual scene in the movie is actually a dance number at a public gathering where the two characters slowly sway and caress each other, much to the horror and confusion of the other townsfolk.
    — Whitney Friedlander, Los Angeles Times, 26 Oct. 2026
  • As if that same sea that caresses the feet of the palms were doing it now in Tokyo, in your house.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 8 Oct. 2026
Definition of caress
Verb
  • The best boots that fit the trend are made of either soft leather or suede with a slim sole, intentional detailing, and a silhouette that hugs the foot.
    — Abby Hepworth, Travel + Leisure, 5 Nov. 2026
  • His baggy jeans, chest-hugging polo and Oakley raver sunglasses lend themselves better to the hipster neighborhood of Silver Lake.
    — Matt Donnelly, Variety, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • Berkshire Hathaway Berkshire's A and B shares both touched fresh highs on Tuesday.
    — Jason Gewirtz, CNBC, 4 Nov. 2026
  • The price for a barrel of Brent crude oil also tumbled below $95 and touched its lowest level in two months.
    — Stan Choe, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of touch
Verb
  • It’s made from super soft and warm faux fur that’s primed for fall movie marathons snuggled on the couch or in bed.
    — Clara McMahon, PEOPLE, 31 Oct. 2026
  • On October 27, Kardashian shared a photo of her daughter Chicago snuggled up with the dog named Halo.
    — Juliana Ukiomogbe, InStyle, 28 Oct. 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 10 Nov. 2026.

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