1
as in to congratulate
to express to (someone) admiration for his or her success or good fortune
she hugged herself for having made a killing on the investment
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to clasp
to put one's arms around and press tightly
Grandma hugged the grandchildren good-bye
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of hug
Wash Westmoreland, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025
State of play: The 51-mile system that hugs the Mississippi River, Minnehaha Creek and Chain of Lakes is interrupted by a 140-year-old gap in Northeast and Southeast Minneapolis.
—Nick Halter, Axios, 13 Feb. 2025
Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 4 Feb. 2025
They were photographed looking friendly together and exchanging hugs.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hug 
Verb
The little hospital room went crazy — whooping, hugging, and cheering.
—Wash Westmoreland, The Hollywood Reporter, 14 Feb. 2025
State of play: The 51-mile system that hugs the Mississippi River, Minnehaha Creek and Chain of Lakes is interrupted by a 140-year-old gap in Northeast and Southeast Minneapolis.
—Nick Halter, Axios, 13 Feb. 2025
Noun
Legend himself invited Bryan back to the stage Monday, where father and daughter shared an emotional hug.
—Raechal Shewfelt, EW.com, 4 Feb. 2025
They were photographed looking friendly together and exchanging hugs.
—Martha Ross, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
See all Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
Verb
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While the stadium hardly reacted to Hopkins' touchdown, the Eagles players and staff on the sidelines (and the fans in the stands) were already congratulating each other with high fives and hugs.—
Alex Ross,
People.com,
11 Feb. 2025
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Imagine receiving a message from your supervisor congratulating you on your recent promotion.—
Andrew Brodsky,
TIME,
11 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The design features detailed scales and the brand’s signature orb motif clasped in the serpent’s jaws.—
Ty Gaskins,
WWD,
10 Jan. 2025
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At one point, Dion cradled Adele's face, clasped Adele's hand to her right cheek and kissed it, then leaned in for a last few words.—
Edward Segarra,
USA TODAY,
3 Nov. 2024
Noun
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Zoom out: The bitcoin ETF in particular is likely to draw attention, given Trump's warm embrace of cryptocurrency (including his own meme coin).—
Ben Berkowitz,
Axios,
6 Feb. 2025
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The clip ends with father and daughter enjoying the warmest of embraces.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
5 Feb. 2025
Verb
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Exactly two months since that result, Chelsea are clinging onto fourth place after a run of two wins in nine league games, during which Palmer has scored three times and assisted none.—
Anantaajith Raghuraman,
The Athletic,
15 Feb. 2025
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But there are key differences: while Lamar’s Celine jeans clung to his thighs before flaring out below the knee, Chalamet’s fit looser on his body, though there is still a noticeable flare.—
Hannah Jackson,
Vogue,
14 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Adapting the home environment with equipment like grab bars, ramps, and adjustable beds can reduce physical strain.—
Contributed Content,
Twin Cities,
6 Feb. 2025
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The mayor’s seat and four council seats, including two interim positions, will be up for grabs in November.—
Verónica Egui Brito,
Miami Herald,
6 Feb. 2025
Verb
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The Spider-Man actor was then seen casually engaging with partygoers and cradling a baby while asking how old the little one was.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
4 Feb. 2025
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At one point, there's a clip of Bündchen overlooking a sunset while cradling her noticeably pregnant belly.—
Thomas G. Moukawsher,
Newsweek,
30 Jan. 2025
Thesaurus Entries Near hug
Cite this Entry
“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 21 Feb. 2025.
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