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
  • With eight goals and two assists so far this tournament, the GOAT will be rubbing his hands.
    — Mark Hodge, NBC news, 15 July 2026
  • For washable fabrics, avoid rubbing aggressively as this action can push the stain deeper into the material fibers.
    — Sheila Kim, The Spruce, 13 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
  • Holmes and Yarmosky were seen holding hands, kissing and embracing while watching Sienna Spiro perform.
    — Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
  • One shot showed the pair standing outside a helicopter and another was a selfie of the 45-year-old former talent manager kissing Sweeney on the cheek.
    — Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 21 July 2026
Definition of kissing
Verb
  • Anti-Skinny Jeans While skinny jeans remain a quintessential wardrobe staple for many millennials, celebrities are swapping body-hugging denim for more relaxed silhouettes.
    — Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026
  • Other slides saw the singer hugging a friend, putting her hands in a circle with Jovi and his band, two people in a pool, and her friend carrying another friend in his arms.
    — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 23 July 2026
Definition of hugging
Verb
  • Instead of nudging people towards Zionism, such coalitions are pulling progressive politicians more towards the pro-Palestine camp with each special election.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 20 July 2026
  • Beyond France, Tuesday’s game put him clear as the man to coach the most World Cup games in history, nudging ahead of Helmut Schon.
    — Nick Miller, New York Times, 15 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 27 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of pawing for Spanish Speakers

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