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
  • While snuggling with your cat might be the ideal way to keep both of you warm in winter, there are other ways to help when your lap isn’t available for naps.
    Cody Godwin, USA Today, 6 Feb. 2026
  • If your V-day plans involve snuggling up and rewatching Bridgerton, lean into the show’s romantic pastel color palette and stunning florals with nails that bloom.
    Ariel Wodarcyk, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • But after Barnes shared footage of the birds cuddling in a nest box, chasing off rivals, and committing to each other with unmistakable devotion, the internet quickly embraced the unlikely couple as feathery rom-com leads.
    Moná Thomas, PEOPLE, 3 Feb. 2026
  • Soon the calf was lying on the couch, cuddling with her young children.
    Dylan Lovan, Los Angeles Times, 30 Jan. 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 14 Feb. 2026.

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