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.

They focus on motherhood and love, with rounded forms cradling one another and calling to mind the work of Henry Moore.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 14, 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

Varley is cradling the child and McGowan-Fazakerley said: "It's going to be the hardest thing… we've got each other."

From BBC • May 6, 2026

“Our lives may be over before they’ve begun,” Jacob added, cradling his head in his hands.

From "The Inquisitor's Tale" by Adam Gidwitz