Synonyms of nuzzle

nuzzle

verb

ˈnə-zəl 

as in to snuggle

to lie close

newborn puppies nuzzling against their mother to stay warm

Synonyms & Similar Words

• snuggle
• cuddle
• nestle
• snoozle
• curl up
• crouch
• huddle

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• flinch
• start
• shy
• shrink
• recoil
• wince
• quail
• blench

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of nuzzle

On a recent visit, Amber nuzzled in a bed of straw, as a talk radio station kept her company. — Kansas City Star, 10 May 2026

The club’s home was built in 1997, and nuzzled alongside a bend in the River Wear, the south side of the club’s home is subject to significant and ongoing regeneration. — James McNicholas, New York Times, 15 Apr. 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

Andrew Mackay/Facebook At the end of the video, Mackay can be seen standing on the doorway, surveying the damage, as one of the dogs nuzzles him. — CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025