kiss

verb

ˈkis How to pronounce kiss (audio)
Definition of kissnext
1
as in to cuddle
to touch one another with the lips as a sign of love it's traditional for couples to kiss under the mistletoe at Christmastime

Synonyms & Similar Words

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2
as in to brush
to pass lightly across or touch gently especially in passing a gentle breeze kissing the water's surface

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 kiss His wife walked up to the stage, hugged and kissed him. — Maxine Bernstein, OregonLive.com, 6 July 2017 In another Instagram, Chyna is kissing a man who is not Rob. — Tess Koman, Cosmopolitan, 5 July 2017 Read as a mama kangaroo hops her joey off to bed, while baby bats wake up to play, and a human Mama kisses her baby goodnight. — South Florida Parenting, 3 July 2017 With the last one gone, Taba kisses the empty floor. — Holly Millea, Smithsonian, 29 June 2017 See All Example Sentences for kiss
Recent Examples of Synonyms for kiss
  1. cuddle
  2. brush
  3. smooch
  4. caress
  5. hug
  6. touch
  7. snuggle
Verb
  • That pressure may even lead the body to secrete a little extra oxytocin, the love hormone humans produce when cuddling.
    — Kristen Rogers, CNN, 9 Mar. 2025
  • The proud mom of two posted a few photos of her newborn daughter, Elvis, cuddling with her baby girl Malibu, who wore a pink and white polka dot blanket that matched her own robe.
    — Hannah Sacks, People.com, 6 Mar. 2025
Definition of cuddle
Verb
  • Southwest brushed off Frontier’s latest promotion and highlighted its larger network.
    — Leslie Josephs, CNBC, 18 Mar. 2025
  • The Sacramento native recently appeared in the indie drama The Last Showgirl (2024), alongside Pamela Anderson and Jamie Lee Curtis and brushed off her sitcom chops in Netflix’s basketball comedy Running Point (2025–present), starring Kate Hudson.
    — Skyler Trepel, EW.com, 18 Mar. 2025
Definition of brush
Verb
  • Adrien Brody And Halle Berry Recreate Their 2003 Kiss The 2003 Oscars saw Adrien Brody win Best Actor for his performance in The Pianist, and celebrate by smooching Halle Berry, who presented him the award.
    — Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 3 Mar. 2025
  • The two actresses made headlines for smooching that season.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025
Definition of smooch
Verb
  • Unfortunately for us, Percy has not arrived just to caress Lord John, who honestly needs it, but rather to pass on some intel: Percy warns John of a plot to kidnap William in order to force John and his brother Hal to cooperate with the Continental Army.
    — Maggie Fremont, Vulture, 27 Dec. 2024
  • On Valentines Day, Rihanna sat with Mayers during another break, gently caressing his cheek while the couple sat on a courtroom bench, surrounded by beefy security guards.
    — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 18 Feb. 2025
Definition of caress
Verb
  • The bride and groom also congratulated and lovingly hugged the couple.
    — Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Select dresses, such as sheath and shift dresses, that hang straight off your shoulders and don’t hug too tightly.
    — BestReviews, Chicago Tribune, 13 Mar. 2025
Definition of hug
Verb
  • The guest room design is sleek, modern, and heavily influenced by Galán's original work, blending art deco touches with Andaz's signature pink embellishments.
    — Taylor McIntyre, Travel + Leisure, 15 Mar. 2025
  • Meanwhile, Target – whose RSI is 16.8 – lost about 9% this week, touching a 52-week low on Friday and bringing its year-to-date decline to nearly 23%.
    — Sean Conlon, CNBC, 15 Mar. 2025
Definition of touch
Verb
  • In the black-and-white shot, the couple is relaxing on a couch and Gomez is snuggled up against the music producer, 37.
    — Michael Nied, People.com, 14 Mar. 2025
  • Johnny is a well-mannered pup who just wants to snuggle up on the couch with his favorite human, his profile says.
    — TJ Macias, Kansas City Star, 12 Mar. 2025
Definition of snuggle

Phrases Containing kiss

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Cite this Entry

“Kiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kiss. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on kiss

Nglish: Translation of kiss for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kiss

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