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 She was most recently linked to businessman Tim Sykes, whom she was photographed kissing at the US Open last year. — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 The tacos feature za’atar rubbed swordfish kissed by a wood-burning grill, dabbed with tangy pools of labne and a salsa arabe, similar to harissa. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 Trees blow in the breeze, birds chirp, and the dappled sunlight kisses our skin as six of us observe the chef and snap photos during our outdoor mayonnaise-making class. — Lauren David, Travel + Leisure, 22 Aug. 2026 Lee continued to put her huge new diamond ring front and center, posing with her hand over her mouth and holding it out while kissing Post Malone, in photos shared by other friends on Instagram. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 20 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 proud mom shared pictures of her and Green cuddling their little one in the hospital room, concealing the newborn’s face in the snaps.
    — Kayla Grant, PEOPLE, 21 Aug. 2026
  • The squeals from the little piggies about to eat lettuce and other vegetation often spark laughter, while others cuddle and comfort some of the guinea pigs.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of cuddle
Verb
  • Amid this backdrop, cybersecurity companies have skyrocketed in value as businesses recognize the security need and have managed to brush off earlier disruption concerns that rattled the broader software sector this year.
    — Samantha Subin, CNBC, 27 Aug. 2026
  • Kusama was called pop, avant-garde, feminist, just to name some of the categories thrown at her, most of which Kusama brushed off as not quite representative of her art.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of brush
Verb
  • 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
  • Luchasaurus dressed in a wig and nearly smooched Andrade El Idolo.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
Definition of smooch
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
  • Kikuko cried out as her father’s hand slowly caressed her chest.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of caress
Verb
  • Shelley Strommen, one of the activists who has spearheaded the effort, hugged Gorman.
    — Dan Kaufman, New Yorker, 28 Aug. 2026
  • As the end approached, families moved out, one at a time, hugging and saying goodbyes to each other outside their dorms.
    — Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • Her team said they were touched by the idea and are open to continuing the conversation, according to Lee.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 29 Aug. 2026
  • Chinese cars are effectively banned in the United States through steep tariffs and regulatory restrictions, but that doesn’t apply to everything China touches in the auto industry.
    — Zachary Hansen, AJC.com, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of touch
Verb
  • Her arc mirrored that of my Mexican immigrant parents, who were also mountain people who grew up in big farming families with no plumbing or electricity, snuggling with siblings during winter nights in unheated bedrooms.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Sterling could be seen snuggling up to her father as Bronze sat on his lap, while Patrick appeared to be tickling Golden, who lay next to mom Brittany in a flamingo print onesie.
    — Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 18 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 1 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on kiss

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kiss

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