Synonyms for caress

noun

verb

caress refers to a display of affection by gentle stroking or touching; fondle implies a more demonstrative show of love or affection, as by stroking or hugging, or may connote touching or stroking in making sexual advances; pet, as applied generally, implies treatment with special affection and indulgence, including gentle patting and stroking, but informally it refers to indulgence, esp. by young couples, in hugging, kissing, and amorous caresses; cuddle implies affectionate handling, as of a small child by its mother, by pressing or drawing close within the arms; dandle implies the showing of playful affection toward a child by moving him or her up and down lightly on the knee