hold close vs cuddle

hold close is not a noun while cuddle is a noun.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
hold close	No	No	Yes	No
cuddle	Yes	No	Yes	No

As verbs, cuddle is a hyponym of hold close; that is, cuddle is a word with a more specific, narrower meaning than hold close:

Other hyponyms of hold close include draw close, nest, nestle, nuzzle, snuggle.

hold close (noun)	cuddle (noun)
	a close and affectionate (and often prolonged) embrace

hold close (verb)	cuddle (verb)
hold firmly, usually with one's hands	move or arrange oneself in a comfortable and cozy position
	hold (a person or thing) close, as for affection, comfort, or warmth