necking

verb

Definition of neckingnext
present participle of neck
as in cuddling

Related Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for necking
  1. cuddling
  2. spooning
  3. nuzzling
  4. petting
  5. fondling
  6. caressing
  7. snuggling
  8. stroking
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
  • In the eight-photo carousel, the actress recapped her life with a few sweet pictures with her baby, including one of her and Green, 29, cuddling their little one in the hospital room while concealing the newborn’s face.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026
Definition of cuddling
Verb
  • The fun part of this recipe is poking holes in the cake and then spooning in the blueberry and strawberry fillings alternately to create the red, white, and blue effect.
    — Brennan Long, Southern Living, 3 July 2026
  • Make the most of strawberry season by swirling a quick sauce into vanilla ice cream and spooning more on top.
    — Victoria Spencer, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026
Definition of spooning
Verb
  • West begins nuzzling her, and the two kiss.
    — Marlow Stern, Variety, 20 May 2026
  • In the end, an Australian photographer claimed the top prize for capturing a tender moment of elephant seal pups nuzzling in a rockpool.
    — Alexandra Banner, CNN Money, 27 Feb. 2026
Definition of nuzzling
Verb
  • The farm is also holding a Fairy Festival on July 18 and 19 featuring scavenger hunts, fairy stories and other activities in addition to the usual hayrides, petting farm and pony rides.
    — Janet Kusterer, Baltimore Sun, 10 July 2026
  • The clip appears to show a woman wearing a pink swimsuit paddling a kayak and petting an alligator at Silver Springs State Park in Marion County.
    — Charlotte Phillipp, PEOPLE, 10 July 2026
Definition of petting
Verb
  • Powell tried to open the stall door, and then began fondling himself, frightening the 11-year-old, who tried to leave, but Powell blocked him from getting out.
    — Todd Feurer, CBS News, 6 June 2026
  • Antonio Burton, 37, was originally charged with child molesting when the defendant is at least 21 years old, a Level 1 felony, and child molesting, fondling or touching a child under 14, a Level 4 felony.
    — Meredith Colias-Pete, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
Definition of fondling
Verb
  • The couple posed for photos at the event, drawing attention to their gestating bundle of joy by framing and caressing Palvin’s belly.
    — Tracy Brown, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 2026
  • Grudda pushed Barkow's wheelchair through the zoo, her hands caressing her mother's shoulders or pointing out the animals.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 21 Apr. 2026
Definition of caressing
Verb
  • 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
  • For the next few days, while my toddler felt miserable, he and I were mostly holed up in the room snuggling while the rest of my family got sun-kissed at the beach with their cousins.
    — Kris Ann Valdez, Parents, 18 June 2026
Definition of snuggling
Verb
  • There was only one other visitor, another mother stroking another small head.
    — Fran Moreland Johns, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026
  • Alongside Cruise feeding and stroking his dying cat while walking around his mansion with his gut hanging out, there are shots of planes readying for battle and collapsing polar ice caps.
    — Brent Lang, Variety, 15 Apr. 2026
Definition of stroking
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.

Browse Nearby Words

necked
necking
necklace
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Cite this Entry

“Necking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/necking. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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