cuddle
Hold someone close
Cuddle is to hold someone close in an affectionate embrace, usually while lying down or seated together.
Unlike a hug, cuddling implies sustained, comfortable contact—settling in rather than greeting or parting: We cuddled on the couch watching movies.
The word suggests warmth and intimacy without necessarily being sexual.
A cuddle is an instance of this: I need a cuddle.
Tight, affectionate clasp
- snuggleEmbrace cozily
- nestleSettle into sheltered comfort
- holdMaintain in grasp
- squeezeFirm bilateral compression
cradle · enfold · wrap · nuzzle · spoon · clasp · entwine · encircle
Warm and snug
- soothingReducing distress or discomfort
- solaceRelief from distress
- reassuranceWords meant to calm
- securityProtection from threat
safe · calm · peaceful · relaxing · contentment · ease · warmth · soft
Gentle, caring quality
- fondnessWarm liking or affection
- loveIntense fond attachment
- warmthHeat you feel
- devotionDeep, loyal commitment
adoration · cherish · endearment · doting · sweetness · attachment · caring · gentleness
Soft bed covering
plush · drowsy · sleepy · teddybear · stuffed animal · bedding · duvet · fleece
State of proximity
- bondingForming close connections
- connectionA joining or relation
- togethernessState of close connection
- companionshipState of having company
trust · rapport · partner · beloved · romantic · pillow talk · bedside · quiet moment
hug
Tight, affectionate clasp
squeeze · cradle · enfold · wrap · nuzzle · spoon · clasp · entwine · encircle · caress
cozy
Warm and snug
- soothingReducing distress or discomfort
- solaceRelief from distress
- reassuranceWords meant to calm
security · safe · calm · peaceful · relaxing · contentment · ease · warmth · soft · gentle
tenderness
Gentle, caring quality
devotion · adoration · cherish · endearment · doting · sweetness · attachment · caring · gentleness · affectionate
blanket
Soft bed covering
soft · plush · drowsy · sleepy · teddybear · stuffed animal · bedding · duvet · fleece · flannel
closeness
State of proximity
- bondingForming close connections
- connectionA joining or relation
- togethernessState of close connection
companionship · trust · rapport · partner · beloved · romantic · pillow talk · bedside · quiet moment · tender moment
maternal
Of or like mothers
- paternalOf or from father
- caregiverOne providing daily assistance
- parentingNurturing and guiding children
infant · baby · child · swaddle · cradle · rock · soothe · protective · guardian · bonding
- cuddle upNestle affectionately against another
- cuddly toySoft huggable plaything
- cuddle bugOne who loves snuggling
- cuddle timeAffectionate close contact period
- cuddle buddyCompanion for affectionate embracing
- cuddle toyPlush for embracing
cuddly, cuddling, cuddles, cuddled, cuddler, cuddlesome, cuddlebug, cuddle-bunny, cuddle up