nuzzling

Definition of nuzzlingnext
present participle of nuzzle
as in snuggling
to lie close newborn puppies nuzzling against their mother to stay warm

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 nuzzling The video shows his two pet dogs, with a mutt named Thunder in the lead, nuzzling open a sliding door to get outside into the yard. CBS News, 10 Dec. 2025 The Saint Bernards gently lie down beside him, licking and nuzzling him affectionately. Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for nuzzling
Verb
  • Loved by Oprah, the AirEssentials collection is made of lightweight, soft, and breathable fabric that is perfect for flights, layering for sightseeing tours, or snuggling up at home.
    Taylor Fox, Travel + Leisure, 11 Feb. 2026
  • My son loves the fun parts of puppy parenting like snuggling, petting, playing, and running together.
    Angela Hatem, Parents, 10 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Some commenters online point out that boundaries may look different in close friendships, where gestures that might be read as romantic in other contexts, like cuddling, are not always tied to romantic interest.
    Rachel Hale, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026
  • Whether that’s going to see a show, tossing some axes, cuddling with some cats at a café or racing down the slopes, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
    Heather Zidack, Hartford Courant, 15 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • Cocksuckers, Chuky mumbled, cradling the bottle atop his belly, nestling its spout in his shiny cleavage.
    Jonathan Miles, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Forget last-gasp 30-yard thunderbolts nestling in the top corner.
    James Pearce, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Nuzzling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/nuzzling. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.

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