pawing

present participle of paw

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for pawing
Verb
  • Sam then picks up Emerald and asks for a cuddle, and the pup happily obliges, nuzzling into Sam's neck and relaxing into the hug.
    Rachael O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • Because the surface of the cornea contains multiple tiny microabrasions from your contact rubbing against it, these can function as openings for the amoeba to infiltrate—and the longer you’re exposed to it, the further in it can burrow.
    Holly Burns, Time, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Rinse the seeds in a colander afterward, rubbing with your fingers to detach any stubborn bits of pulp.
    Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 18 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • One game, especially one so dominated by the defense, certainly isn’t enough to decide whether this is even an issue, but noted QB whisperer O’Connell has to be stroking his chin.
    John Shipley, Twin Cities, 22 Sep. 2025
  • But Ethan’s out there getting loose and stroking it.
    Patrick Saunders, Denver Post, 20 Sep. 2025
Verb
  • The Young Pope star was seen caressing Coan’s back and whispering in her ear.
    Angel Saunders, People.com, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The singer was spotted in pictures shared to social media, gently caressing the baby bump of his romantic partner.
    DeMicia Inman, VIBE.com, 3 Sep. 2019
Verb
  • Other poses featured Bieber kissing Kardashian on the cheek and the latter sensually brushing a rose against the former’s face.
    Hannah Dailey, Billboard, 15 Oct. 2025
  • Looking for a vacation that involves plenty of sand between your toes, fantastic seafood, and the perfect ocean breeze kissing your cheek?
    Stacey Leasca, Travel + Leisure, 14 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • After not being seen together again for a few months, Perry and Trudeau were then photographed in September, hugging and kissing on a yacht off the coast of Santa Barbara.
    Nicholas Rice, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 2025
  • The boots boasted a slim high heel, pointy toe and ankle-hugging silhouette.
    Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 25 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Instead, the director Scott Cooper’s film turns on Landau recognizing that the tracks reflect Springsteen confronting inner darkness—including his conflicted feelings about his father and his fear of his growing fame—and nudging the musician to realize his need for further help.
    David Sims, The Atlantic, 23 Oct. 2025
  • Ultimately, Grapski said Praia's goal is to continue to improve nudging capabilities to get more engagement and reduce pain points across healthcare.
    Lauren Giella, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • Using a fingering yarn when a knitting pattern specifies DK means your garment will end up much too small.
    BestReviews, Mercury News, 23 Sep. 2025
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

Cite this Entry

“Pawing.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/pawing. Accessed 26 Oct. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on pawing

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!