shrugged; shrugging
: to raise or draw in the shoulders especially to express aloofness, indifference, or uncertainty
: to lift or contract (the shoulders) especially to express aloofness, indifference, or uncertainty
Examples of shrug in a Sentence
Verb
I asked if he wanted to go out to dinner, and he just shrugged.
He just shrugged his shoulders.
Recent Examples on the Web
Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
When asked if any of these revelations were difficult to disclose in such a public manner, Case just shrugged.
—Lindsay Zoladz, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Yet in much of the broader art world, Sun’s winning bid was met with a shrug.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 23 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shrug 
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Verb
However, the other passenger picked up the drink, inspected the name on the cup, shrugged, and took a sip before leaving.
—Michael Gfoeller and David H. Rundell, Newsweek, 16 Jan. 2025
When asked if any of these revelations were difficult to disclose in such a public manner, Case just shrugged.
—Lindsay Zoladz, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
Noun
Martinez's wife's garment was a variation called a shrug vest, a sleeveless item that drapes around the neck instead of having a hole for the head.
—Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025
Yet in much of the broader art world, Sun’s winning bid was met with a shrug.
—Rob Wile, NBC News, 23 Nov. 2024
See all Example Sentences for shrug
Dictionary Entries Near shrug
Cite this Entry
“Shrug.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shrug. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share