Cuddle

To hold someone close with gentle affection, warmth, or comfort.

Reach for it when describing consensual physical closeness in a tender everyday register

The sleepy child climbed beside her father to cuddle during the story.

• playful

  spoon

  a specific side-by-side lying posture is intended

  not when Spooning is intimate and often romantic, so it is wrong for general family affection.

• everyday

  hug

  arms hold someone briefly to show affection or comfort

  not when A hug may be quick or celebratory rather than sustained and restful.

• warm

  hold close

  protection and physical nearness matter

  not when Holding someone close may happen in danger and need not feel cozy.

• warm

  snuggle

  close comfortable settling together is central

  not when Snuggling can sound childish or romantic depending on context.

• formal

  embrace

  a deliberate dignified holding gesture is meant

  not when Embrace is more formal and often briefer than a cuddle.

• literary

  nestle

  someone settles into a sheltered close position

  not when Nestling describes position or movement more than mutual affection.

• push away
• avoid
• repel

• cuddle close

  The siblings cuddle close when the thunder becomes loud.

• cuddle up

  They chose to cuddle up beneath the quilt for one last chapter.

• want to cuddle

  The rescue cat began to want to cuddle after several patient weeks.