as in to caress
to touch or handle in a tender or loving manner
a cat who enjoys being fondled by his loving owners
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for fondle
Verb
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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
Verb
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Indiana Pacers executive vice president and assistant GM Ted Wu, sitting to Winger’s left, patted Winger on the back.—
Josh Robbins,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
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And the guy very kindly patted us on the back and said, ‘That’s not how this works.—
Seija Rankin,
HollywoodReporter,
9 May 2026
Verb
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There was only one other visitor, another mother stroking another small head.—
Fran Moreland Johns,
The Atlantic,
11 May 2026
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On that bed my mother would stroke my hair and hands.—
Chiara Barzini,
Vogue,
9 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Fondle.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fondle. Accessed 20 May. 2026.
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