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to nuzzle

to nuzzle

1 3.8
To press close to someone or something to be warm and comfortable
  • verb
  • /ˈnʌzəl/
translation icon : acurrucarse
  • Webs of early-morning fog still hung about in the gullies and yards, nuzzling the curbs and gutters and lying in patches in the empty street.
  • nuzzled her hair

Examples

  • "He put his arms around her and drew her close and nuzzled her hair.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • They played for a while, nuzzling, half-napping.

    Fiction book (1995)
  • Those are peaceful moments when they nuzzle into your shoulder.

    Blog text (27)
  • I nuzzle against the soft fuzz of your hair.

    Fiction book (1992)
  • Aww, just nuzzle in, hon.

  • I climbed onto the bed and curled around her from behind and nuzzled against her bottom.

    Fiction book (2002)
  • She turns on her side and nuzzles deep down into her pillowcase.

    Fiction book (1999)
  • It was a clear, chilly morning, and I nuzzled down inside my layers of clothing, trying to retain heat and fend off the frigid air.

    Blog text (5)
  • The kitten loves to nuzzle against my neck while I read on the couch.

  • When they're feeling cold, dogs often nuzzle their owners for warmth and comfort.

Synonyms

to huddle
vsto nuzzle
114 3.1

To stay close together for warmth or safety

refers to one settling close for comfort rather than group crowded protection
to snuggle
vsto nuzzle
  • Informal
59 2.0

Move close and settle into a warm, comfortable position, often with a person or pet

focuses on settling by pressing closely for comfort rather than shared warmth
to nestle
vsto nuzzle
15 3.6

Move into a small comfortable place to feel warm and safe

involves pressing closely against something or someone for comfort instead
to nest
vsto nuzzle
9 2.7

To settle comfortably in a warm or soft place

adds pressing or close contact often as part of the settling action
to cuddle
vsto nuzzle
8 1.0

Moving yourself into a comfortable position for warmth or safety

is about settling close physically for comfort, not mainly for security
to curl up in someone's lap
vsto nuzzle
  • Informal
1 3.2

To sit or lie with your body curved on someone's lap for warmth and comfort

is more general, covering close settling not limited to a specific location

Antonyms

97 2.1

Move something and make it untidy or broken

How Comfortable

to cuddle
72 1.0
to nuzzle
1 3.8
to snuggle
  • Informal
59 2.0
to nestle
15 3.6

Surface Forms

nuzzle infinitive
nuzzled past
nuzzled past participle
nuzzling present participle
nuzzles third person singular

Etymology

Nuzzle can also mean to settle close and get comfortable, and a helpful way to remember this is to think of it like nestle, which also means to make yourself cozy. That's why to 'nuzzle' into blankets or against a person means to snuggle up and relax.