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
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Recent Examples of hug
Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2025
Columbia Rounding the bend with just two laps remaining in Saturday’s 3,000-meter final, Missouri’s Drew Rogers ran in the eighth position, hugging the back of the lead pack.
—Jacob Louraine, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2025
Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025
Caleb Grill checks off the court at #Mizzou Arena one last time, falling into a hug with Dennis Gates.
—Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Verb
Daniel was the last to speak, hugging his uncle on the way to the podium, sharing his father’s love of storytelling.
—Milena Malaver, Miami Herald, 8 Mar. 2025
Columbia Rounding the bend with just two laps remaining in Saturday’s 3,000-meter final, Missouri’s Drew Rogers ran in the eighth position, hugging the back of the lead pack.
—Jacob Louraine, Kansas City Star, 6 Mar. 2025
Noun
Henley shared a hug with caddie Andy Sanders, and eventually a smile.
—Edgar Thompson, Orlando Sentinel, 9 Mar. 2025
Caleb Grill checks off the court at #Mizzou Arena one last time, falling into a hug with Dennis Gates.
—Scott Chasen, Kansas City Star, 9 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
Verb
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And once again, his mom was first to congratulate him.—
Clare Fisher,
People.com,
18 Mar. 2025
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The monarch, wearing a red tie and an Order of Canada lapel pin, congratulated Carney on his recent victory.—
Rob Gillies,
Chicago Tribune,
17 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Alec is visibly disturbed by the news, pushing his chair back and clasping his hand to his face, stunned into silence.—
Krystie Lee Yandoli,
Rolling Stone,
24 Feb. 2025
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Option to clasp your hands behind your back and reach your knuckles toward the wall behind you.—
Amber Sayer,
Outside Online,
24 Feb. 2025
Noun
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Corporate America’s embrace of LGBTQ+ rights was the result of decades of protests and boycotts from LGBTQ+ activists that transformed once indifferent, even hostile, companies into powerful allies.—
Jessica Guynn,
USA TODAY,
20 Mar. 2025
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Underestimating seasickness Even people who are not prone to motion sickness can be surprised by the full embrace of seasickness.—
Kaitlyn McInnis,
Forbes,
18 Mar. 2025
Verb
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One woman clings to her cat eye By April Long Read On Truer Words Kiss and Makeup Knock It Off?—
Jessica Iredale,
airmail.news,
12 Mar. 2025
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Kodak invented the digital camera but clung to film.—
Alexander Puutio,
Forbes,
10 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Unlike the House, where all the seats are up for grabs, only a third of the Senate is in play every two years.—
Chris Stirewalt,
The Hill,
14 Mar. 2025
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Spanning more than 350 acres with 17 multi-acre parcels up for grabs starting at $8 million, the New Zealand development has the only real estate available with the necessary waivers in place for foreign buyers.—
Abby Montanez,
Robb Report,
14 Mar. 2025
Verb
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Hadid was seen kissing, cradling, and caressing her fragrance, Orebella, in the scent Salted Muse.—
Robyn Merrett,
StyleCaster,
20 Mar. 2025
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The happy couple also shared exclusive photos of the couple cradling their baby boy.—
Kayla Grant,
People.com,
18 Mar. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.
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