Cuddle vs. Snuggle — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 5, 2023
Cuddle refers to holding someone close in one's arms affectionately, while snuggle implies nestling or moving closer for warmth or affection. Both denote closeness and comfort but have nuanced undertones.
Difference Between Cuddle and Snuggle
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Key Differences
Cuddle and snuggle are terms that resonate with warmth, intimacy, and affection. At their core, both words involve close physical contact, often meant to convey love or comfort. When one cuddles, they embrace or hold someone close in their arms, often to provide or seek solace. It's a gesture that symbolizes a protective and caring attitude. For instance, a parent might cuddle their child to calm them after a nightmare.
Snuggle, on the other hand, carries a subtle distinction. While it also involves close contact, snuggling usually suggests a more nestled or cozy approach, often initiated by the one seeking warmth or affection. It can be imagined as fitting oneself snugly into a comfortable position, whether against another person, a pet, or even a blanket. Lovers might snuggle on a cold evening, drawing close to share warmth.
Interestingly, the intent behind each word can sometimes blur. A child might snuggle into their parent's lap, seeking the comfort of a cuddle. Similarly, one might cuddle up with a book, implying a sense of coziness rather than the protective embrace traditionally associated with cuddling.
In essence, while both cuddle and snuggle revolve around closeness and comfort, cuddling often emphasizes the act of holding or embracing, and snuggling zeroes in on the action of drawing close or nestling. These nuances, however subtle, make each term unique in its expression of intimacy and warmth.
Comparison Chart
Primary Intent
To hold or embrace
To move closer or fit snugly
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Initiator
Usually the one providing comfort
Often the one seeking warmth or affection
Connotation
Protective, comforting
Cozy, seeking warmth
Common Scenarios
Comforting a child, expressing love
Nestling in bed, moving closer on a cold night
Relationship to Objects
Can be used for holding objects closely, like a teddy
More about being cozy, like with blankets
Compare with Definitions
Cuddle
Protective and affectionate holding.
He gave his daughter a cuddle to reassure her.
Snuggle
To settle into a warm, cozy position.
She snuggled into her blanket.
Cuddle
To hold close in an affectionate manner.
She would cuddle her cat every evening.
Snuggle
Moving closer to someone or something for warmth or intimacy.
The couple would snuggle on the couch during winters.
Cuddle
An act of showing warmth or comfort.
After the movie, they shared a long cuddle.
Snuggle
Nestling oneself comfortably.
The kitten snuggled beside its mother.
Cuddle
Embracing closely, especially for comfort.
The cold weather made them cuddle tighter.
Snuggle
Adjusting oneself into a tight, warm space.
She snuggled her face into the soft pillow.
Cuddle
A loving or comforting grasp.
They enjoyed a brief cuddle before heading out.
Snuggle
Snuggle is a brand of fabric softener sold by Henkel North American Consumer Goods in the United States and Canada. The brand was introduced in 1983 by Unilever.
Cuddle
To hold fondly in the arms; hug tenderly.
Snuggle
To lie or press close together; cuddle.
Cuddle
To nestle; snuggle
The children cuddled together on the couch.
Snuggle
To curl up closely or comfortably; nestle
Snuggled happily under the covers.
Cuddle
The act of cuddling; a hug or embrace.
Snuggle
To draw close or hold closely, as for comfort or in affection; hug.
Cuddle
A snuggle; an affectionate embrace, often given to family members and close friends.
Give me a cuddle, Paul, it'll cheer you up.
Snuggle
An affectionate hug.
Let's have a snuggle on the sofa.
Cuddle
(intransitive) To embrace affectionately; to lie together snugly.
The young lovers cuddled on the couch.
Snuggle
The final remnant left in a liquor bottle.
Cuddle
(transitive) To cradle in one's arms so as to give comfort, warmth.
She cuddled the infant before bedtime.
I'm cold; can you roll over here and cuddle me, honey?
Snuggle
To lie close to another person or thing, hugging or being cosy.
Sometimes my girlfriend and I snuggle.
The surrounding buildings snuggled each other.
The last drop of jager snuggled the corner of the pint.
Cuddle
To lie close or snug; to crouch; to nestle.
Snuggle
To move or arrange oneself in a comfortable and cosy position.
Tired but satisfied, the children snuggled into their sleeping bags.
The pet dog snuggles into its new bed.
Cuddle
To lie close or snug; to crouch; to nestle.
She cuddles low beneath the brake;Nor would she stay, nor dares she fly.
Snuggle
To move one way and the other so as to get a close place; to lie close for comfort; to cuddle; to nestle.
Cuddle
To embrace closely; to fondle.
Snuggle
A close and affectionate (and often prolonged) embrace
Cuddle
A close embrace.
Snuggle
Move or arrange oneself in a comfortable and cozy position;
We cuddled against each other to keep warm
The children snuggled into their sleeping bags
Cuddle
A close and affectionate (and often prolonged) embrace
Snuggle
Position comfortably;
The baby nestled her head in her mother's elbow
Cuddle
Move or arrange oneself in a comfortable and cozy position;
We cuddled against each other to keep warm
The children snuggled into their sleeping bags
Snuggle
Seeking closeness for comfort or affection.
After a tiring day, all he wanted was to snuggle with his loved ones.
Cuddle
Hold (a person or thing) close, as for affection, comfort, or warmth;
I cuddled the baby
Common Curiosities
Is cuddling more intimate than snuggling?
Both denote intimacy, but cuddling often implies a protective or comforting embrace.
Can you snuggle without cuddling?
Yes, you can snuggle into a blanket without embracing it, which would be cuddling.
Does cuddling release oxytocin?
Yes, cuddling can release oxytocin, a hormone associated with bonding and affection.
Is snuggling more passive than cuddling?
Snuggling often implies a passive action of seeking comfort, while cuddling can be more active.
Is a "cuddle session" the same as a "snuggle session"?
They're similar, but a cuddle session might emphasize holding, while a snuggle session might emphasize coziness.
Why do people snuggle for warmth?
Snuggling maximizes shared body heat, providing warmth in cold conditions.
Can you cuddle an inanimate object?
Yes, one can cuddle objects like teddy bears or pillows.
Can animals cuddle and snuggle?
Absolutely, many animals cuddle and snuggle with their kin or humans for warmth and comfort.
Can you snuggle into a book?
Figuratively, yes. It means settling comfortably to read.
Are cuddle and snuggle synonymous?
While closely related, cuddle emphasizes embracing, and snuggle focuses on drawing close or nestling.
Can you use snuggle to describe settling into a cozy space?
Yes, like snuggling into a comfy chair.
Does snuggling always involve two entities?
No, one can snuggle into a blanket or chair, for instance.
Why might someone want to cuddle?
People cuddle for warmth, comfort, affection, or emotional connection.
Do both cuddling and snuggling have positive connotations?
Generally, yes. Both terms are associated with warmth, comfort, and affection.
Is a cuddle always prolonged?
Not necessarily. A cuddle can be brief or prolonged, depending on the situation.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
