Nuzzle
v.kind, calmwarm
What it means
To touch or rub gently as a sign of affection.
Reach for it when describing a gentle rubbing or pressing gesture of affection or comfort
The old dog would nuzzle each visitor's hand for affection.
Choose between these
6- playful
nose
an animal pushes or investigates with its nose
not when Nosing can be curious rather than affectionate.
- playful
snuggle
settling closely for warmth and comfort is meant
not when Snuggling can be still rather than a rubbing motion.
- everyday
rub
the physical back-and-forth contact is all that matters
not when Rub loses the affectionate intent.
- warm
close whole-body affection is central
not when Cuddling need not involve the face or nose.
- formal
a deliberate gentle touch expresses affection
not when Caress is often done with a hand and can sound intimate.
- literary
settling into a sheltered position suits the scene
not when Nestling does not require touching with the face.
Said against
3- recoil
- shove
- avoid
It naturally appears in
3- nuzzle gently
The foal began to nuzzle gently against its keeper's sleeve.
- nuzzle into
The sleepy child would nuzzle into the wool blanket.
- nuzzle someone's hand
The old dog liked to nuzzle each visitor's hand.
Where this comes from
- wiktionary, English verb, rub gently with the nose or face sense opens in a new tab · retrieved 2026-07-27
The definition and the example on this page are written here. The dictionaries above ground which meaning is being described, not the wording.