1
as in congratulating
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 clasping
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 hugging
When Frankie finally returned home, Beau couldn't contain his joy, jumping for joy and hugging his best friend.
—
Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025
Layered on top of this is the Northern Sea Route, a shipping lane hugging the Russian coast in the Arctic that connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, chops down transit times and helps Moscow transport hydrocarbons to key markets, including in Asia.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Amal lit up the carpet in a body-hugging fuchsia minidress fitted with a billowing train.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 29 Aug. 2025
The term job hugging refers to employees holding onto their current jobs rather than seeking new opportunities elsewhere – the opposite of job hopping or The Great Resignation.
—John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Across town, in the neighborhood of Friedrichshain, the river-hugging East Side Gallery showcases murals painted by 118 artists from 21 countries the year the wall came down.
—Blane Bachelor, AFAR Media, 29 Aug. 2025
He was photographed hugging a flag at the Conservative Political Action Conference in March 2019.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 26 Aug. 2025
The stretchy material provides a body-hugging fit that is flattering on its own or layered under a jacket or cardigan.
—Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 24 Aug. 2025
In Carys' carousel of images, she was seen hugging her mother tightly in one photo, holding back tears and wearing her cap and gown.
—Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025
Layered on top of this is the Northern Sea Route, a shipping lane hugging the Russian coast in the Arctic that connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, chops down transit times and helps Moscow transport hydrocarbons to key markets, including in Asia.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
Amal lit up the carpet in a body-hugging fuchsia minidress fitted with a billowing train.
—Charna Flam, People.com, 29 Aug. 2025
The term job hugging refers to employees holding onto their current jobs rather than seeking new opportunities elsewhere – the opposite of job hopping or The Great Resignation.
—John M. Bremen, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
Across town, in the neighborhood of Friedrichshain, the river-hugging East Side Gallery showcases murals painted by 118 artists from 21 countries the year the wall came down.
—Blane Bachelor, AFAR Media, 29 Aug. 2025
He was photographed hugging a flag at the Conservative Political Action Conference in March 2019.
—Katie Wiseman, IndyStar, 26 Aug. 2025
The stretchy material provides a body-hugging fit that is flattering on its own or layered under a jacket or cardigan.
—Anne Taylor, Travel + Leisure, 24 Aug. 2025
In Carys' carousel of images, she was seen hugging her mother tightly in one photo, holding back tears and wearing her cap and gown.
—Janelle Ash, FOXNews.com, 24 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hugging
Verb
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The two remain good friends, with Dawson even congratulating Booker on his recent engagement.—
Elizabeth Ayoola,
Essence,
3 Sep. 2025
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What To Know On Thursday Obama shared an X post from the official Democratic Party account congratulating Drey on her victory.—
James Bickerton,
MSNBC Newsweek,
29 Aug. 2025
Verb
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After arriving on the scene, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey ran toward the sanctuary and was later seen clasping his hands outside on the church steps.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
28 Aug. 2025
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Parents, some in tears, walked from the school, clasping their kids by the hands or carrying them out on their shoulders.—
Natasha Korecki,
NBC news,
27 Aug. 2025
Verb
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With more men than women using apps and with women being more discerning, the odds seem to be against men, particularly men who are clinging to unrealistic expectations.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
7 Sep. 2025
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Millennials are currently ruling the tech industry and clinging to their roles as the economy is rocked by uncertainty due to tariffs, inflation increases living expenses, and AI swipes jobs.—
Emma Burleigh,
Fortune,
7 Sep. 2025
Verb
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More than a month after his death, Ozzy Osbourne’s music has largely slipped away from the Billboard charts following the headline-grabbing news that one of rock’s founding fathers had passed away.—
Hugh McIntyre,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
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SpaceX was also famously involved in funding and operating the headline-grabbing Polaris Dawn crewed commercial mission in September 2024.—
Eric Lagatta,
AZCentral.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Now, Julie is opening up about embracing her natural brunette hair in prison and her post-release shift back to blonde.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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This mindset encompasses perseverance, loyalty, embracing differences, displaying an openness to personal growth and strong conflict-resolution skills, including the willingness to seek help when necessary.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
6 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hugging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hugging. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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