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.

“It’s like I got married ... sorry, Norm,” she said, cradling the statue.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2025

Sweatband cradling his brow and lion inked on his back, the 31-year-old has boldly written his own legacy.

From BBC • Oct. 9, 2025

Suddenly, Henry, 6, walks into the dads’ circle, cradling three baby dolls.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 11, 2025

The second image shows Meghan tenderly cradling the princess as a newborn following her birth in 2021.

From BBC • Jun. 4, 2025

I saw the delicate, pink-mottled claw meat poking seductively through its blanket of mayonnaise and the bland yellow pear cup with its rim of alligator-green cradling the whole mess.

From "The Bell Jar" by Sylvia Plath