pawing

verb

present participle of paw
as in nuzzling

Related Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pawing
  1. nuzzling
  2. rubbing
  3. stroking
  4. caressing
  5. fondling
  6. kissing
  7. hugging
  8. nudging
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
  • But the comfort extends beyond the insole, as the soft fabric straps help prevent rubbing while also lending the sandals a more elevated look.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 12 July 2026
  • Continue rubbing until the friction lifts the residue from the fabric.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 2 July 2026
Definition of rubbing
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
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
  • 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
  • In the post, the couple, who tied the knot in July 2025, is seen kissing on the beach as Jenner holds up a series of ultrasound photos.
    — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 15 July 2026
  • The Prince and Princess of Wales, both 44, were photographed embracing and kissing at a charity polo game on July 10 in Windsor, England.
    — Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 14 July 2026
Definition of kissing
Verb
  • The ships were directed to take a route along the southern side of the Strait of Hormuz, hugging Oman's coastline, rather than a route along Iran's coastline on the northern side of the strait.
    — Jackie Northam, NPR, 17 July 2026
  • Lopez’s sheer lace bodysuit featured a delicate floral pattern that beautifully blanketed every inch of the figure-hugging design.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 17 July 2026
Definition of hugging
Verb
  • The Moon conjoins surprising Uranus in your 4th House of Home and Family, nudging rhythm changes and fresh feelings around your private world.
    — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 11 July 2026
  • With its growing range, the company has also recently begun nudging users towards its $20-per-month Meta One Premium subscription by capping the Conversational Focus feature at just three free hours per month.
    — Jibin Joseph, PC Magazine, 8 July 2026
Definition of nudging
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

pawed
pawing
pawky
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Cite this Entry

“Pawing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pawing. Accessed 20 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pawing

Nglish: Translation of pawing for Spanish Speakers

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