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petting Synonyms

Another word for petting

Choosing another word for petting depends on context, so the synonyms and similar words below are separated across 2 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

The act of gently stroking or patting an animal or person with the hand as a sign of affection.

Usage Example

"The shelter dogs eagerly approached the fence, hoping for some gentle stroking from the visitors."

Strongest
stroking
Strong
caressing
patting
fondling

• noun (Context 2)

Amorous or erotic caressing and kissing between partners that does not involve sexual intercourse.

Usage Example

"In mid-twentieth-century advice columns, teenagers were frequently warned about the social risks of heavy necking."

Strongest
necking
Strong
canoodling
fondling
caressing
smooching

• Nearby Words

petticoat
pettily
pettiness
petting
petty
petulance
petulantly

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Petting. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/petting
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