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

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

In one image, a radiant Kiara waved at the camera, Joel’s hands cradling her belly.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 30, 2026

He is cradling the ball in his left hand and warding off impending tacklers with his right, a striking bronze symbol of a university’s resilience and strength.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 20, 2025

One picture was of Mom in the hospital, cradling a newly born baby Laleh.

From "Darius the Great Is Not Okay" by Adib Khorram