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 She was most recently linked to businessman Tim Sykes, whom she was photographed kissing at the US Open last year. — Julia Moore, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026 The tacos feature za’atar rubbed swordfish kissed by a wood-burning grill, dabbed with tangy pools of labne and a salsa arabe, similar to harissa. — The Bon Appétit Staff, Bon Appetit Magazine, 24 Aug. 2026 Trees blow in the breeze, birds chirp, and the dappled sunlight kisses our skin as six of us observe the chef and snap photos during our outdoor mayonnaise-making class. — Lauren David, Travel + Leisure, 22 Aug. 2026 Lee continued to put her huge new diamond ring front and center, posing with her hand over her mouth and holding it out while kissing Post Malone, in photos shared by other friends on Instagram. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 20 Aug. 2026 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
  • Go with a classic like Spongebob so your kids can cuddle this ugly buddy while cozying up with their favorite cartoon.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 28 Aug. 2026
  • In the social media post, the 90-year-old enthusiastically cuddles the pup and pets her softly.
    — Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 27 Aug. 2026
Definition of cuddle
Verb
  • There’s so little cohesion from week to week that last episode’s dramatic cliffhanger — Susan in handcuffs after Rhonda accuses her of kidnapping — is brushed off in an aside in the opening scene.
    — Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2026
  • Lightly brush the dough with buttermilk and sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar over.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 3 Sep. 2026
Definition of brush
Verb
  • The vinyl edition comes with some special gatefold artwork that appears to show Winter smooching Carnegie Hall’s namesake and builder, Andrew Carnegie.
    — Jon Blistein, Rolling Stone, 19 Aug. 2026
  • Luchasaurus dressed in a wig and nearly smooched Andrade El Idolo.
    — Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 26 May 2026
Definition of smooch
Verb
  • In one video, pop singer Madison Beer was seen caressing Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert's face as if the two were shooting a scene straight out of a reality show.
    — Joe Kinsey OutKick, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2026
  • Kikuko cried out as her father’s hand slowly caressed her chest.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of caress
Verb
  • Hundreds of homes and businesses hugged the Trishuli River, which cuts a winding path through the Nepali Himalayas.
    — Jonathan Lambert, NPR, 4 Sep. 2026
  • The donkey has a gentle demeanor, allowing 7-year-old Cole to hug her clumsily around her face.
    — Emily L. Mahoney, Miami Herald, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of hug
Verb
  • Officials say no human contact with the bat is known but urge anyone touched by a bat near Curry Village around May 18 to seek immediate medical advice, noting rabies is fatal yet preventable.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026
  • Once parts are cut, technicians will use non-destructive sensors to inspect their internal density and geometry without touching the sensitive surfaces.
    — Aman Tripathi, Interesting Engineering, 4 Sep. 2026
Definition of touch
Verb
  • Her arc mirrored that of my Mexican immigrant parents, who were also mountain people who grew up in big farming families with no plumbing or electricity, snuggling with siblings during winter nights in unheated bedrooms.
    — Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026
  • Sterling could be seen snuggling up to her father as Bronze sat on his lap, while Patrick appeared to be tickling Golden, who lay next to mom Brittany in a flamingo print onesie.
    — Kirsty Hatcher, PEOPLE, 18 Aug. 2026
Definition of snuggle

Phrases Containing kiss

Browse Nearby Words

kismets
kiss
kissable
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Cite this Entry

“Kiss.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/kiss. Accessed 5 Sep. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on kiss

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kiss

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