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.

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

Steinfeld flaunted her pregnancy during the awards circuit earlier this year, cradling her baby bump at the red carpet for the Golden Globe Awards.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 2, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 17, 2025

“Ahhh,” you murmured, cradling it in your hands as if it were the most beautiful thing ever.

From "The Bridge Home" by Padma Venkatraman