cradling

[kreyd-l-ing] / ˈkreɪd l ɪŋ /

VERB

hold in arms; nurture

Synonyms

STRONG

lull nestle nourish nurse rock support tend

WEAK

watch over

Antonyms

STRONG

abandon ignore neglect

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He said he then entered the bathroom and saw Nix cradling Andrea, who was "limp" and wrapped in a towel.

From BBC • May 26, 2026

Martin, the author of the Game of Thrones books, cradling a fluffy wolf-like pup in his arms.

From Los Angeles Times • May 21, 2026

To the left, “Painting and Sculpture” clutches a palette while cradling a miniaturized replica of the Dionysus torso from the Parthenon.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 8, 2026

Trump's spokeswoman -- who is best known for her acid put-downs of journalists -- posted a picture of herself in a nursery, cradling her baby daughter to her chest.

From Barron's • May 7, 2026

He sat in the tub, cradling his broken camera in his arms.

From "Shooting Kabul" by N. H. Senzai