Definitions

petting

[pet-ing] / ˈpɛt ɪŋ /

NOUN

caress

Synonyms

STRONG

cuddle embrace endearment fondling hug kiss pat pet snuggle squeeze stroke

NOUN

foreplay

Synonyms

STRONGEST

kissing

STRONG

action caress cuddling lovemaking necking sex

WEAK

heavy petting making out oral sex sexual activity

NOUN

indulgence

Synonyms

STRONGEST

extravagance kindness leniency permissiveness privilege

STRONG

allowance appeasement attention courtesy endurance excess favor fondling fondness forbearance fulfillment goodwill hedonism immoderation intemperance intemperateness lenience pampering partiality patience pleasing profligacy satiation satisfaction service spoiling tolerance toleration understanding

WEAK

babying coddling favoring gratifying kowtowing placating profligateness toadying treating

Antonyms

STRONG

disapproval disfavor disregard dissatisfaction frustration intolerance need want

WEAK

abstention care moderation temperance

NOUN

kissing

Synonyms

STRONGEST

embracing

STRONG

bussing caressing necking parking smooching spooning

WEAK

lovemaking making out sucking face

NOUN

necking

Synonyms

STRONG

canoodling caressing cuddling embracing fondling lovemaking parking smooching

WEAK

making love making out sucking face

NOUN

touch

Synonyms

STRONGEST

communication contact feeling taste

STRONG

blow brush caress collision contingence crash cuddling embrace feel fondling graze grope handling hit hug impact junction kiss lick manipulation nudge palpation pat peck perception percussion push rub rubbing scratch shock stroking tap touching

WEAK

taction

Antonyms

STRONG

failure loss

WEAK

lot

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.

Capybaras occasionally wander into the café, though petting them isn’t allowed.

From Slate • May 27, 2026

Following the outbreak, the farm shop voluntarily suspended its feeding and petting sessions and cooperated fully with the investigation, PHW said last year.

From BBC • Mar. 24, 2026

Signs on most kennels asked visitors to avoid putting their hands inside the kennels or petting the animals.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2026

I haven’t watched the series, so I didn’t understand why we were beheading a stuffed bear, but families seemed thrilled to explore the venue, including petting Uncle Fester’s Chupacabra.

From Barron's • Dec. 20, 2025

My mom just walks over and gives G another quiet hug, petting her hair.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell

petting

Example Sentences

Related Words