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
  • Plus, extra padding around the heel helps prevent rubbing during long days on your feet.
    — Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 4 July 2026
  • Continue rubbing until the friction lifts the residue from the fabric.
    — Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 2 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
  • When the Chiefs won, the Grammy winner joined Kelce on the field, kissing and hugging him.
    — Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 3 July 2026
  • Cameras captured them kissing and hugging on the field after the game.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 July 2026
Definition of kissing
Verb
  • Gomez's outfit, styled by Erin Walsh, featured a figure-hugging silhouette with a scoop neckline and a fringe hem.
    — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 5 July 2026
  • Videos from these gatherings showing chanting crowds beneath concert lights, audience members crying, hugging strangers and dancing barefoot have racked up millions of views online.
    — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026
Definition of hugging
Verb
  • Your 3rd House of Communication awakens as the intuitive Moon moves in, sharpening timing and nudging you to say what helps tasks move.
    — Tarot.com, Baltimore Sun, 6 July 2026
  • And by nudging two other family members to put a hand on the wheel, everyone felt a bit of control.
    — David Crown, Forbes.com, 2 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 8 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on pawing

Nglish: Translation of pawing for Spanish Speakers

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