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
Juliana Ukiomogbe,
InStyle,
24 June 2026
Some sat on the ground hugging their pets as dust gathered around them.
—
CBS News,
24 June 2026
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
16 June 2026
Only minutes earlier, as Towns left the locker room, head coach Mike Brown and OG Anunoby shared a long hug and several words.
—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hug
Verb
The 59-year-old actress wore a lilac figure-hugging satin gown by McQueen from the brand’s Fall/Winter ‘26 collection.
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Juliana Ukiomogbe,
InStyle,
24 June 2026
Some sat on the ground hugging their pets as dust gathered around them.
—
CBS News,
24 June 2026
Noun
April 20 – May 20 Home feels softer than usual, like a warm hug.
—
Tarot.com,
Sun Sentinel,
16 June 2026
Only minutes earlier, as Towns left the locker room, head coach Mike Brown and OG Anunoby shared a long hug and several words.
—
Kristian Winfield,
New York Daily News,
14 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
Verb
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Owens was begrudgingly congratulated by Hitler, but neither he nor the other Black medalists were ever even acknowledged by Roosevelt, who had also refused to endorse a boycott of the Games—an effort led by Black and Jewish organizations that opposed both Nazism and American segregation.
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In a clip shared on social media, a beaming Kolek could be seen trotting alongside the parade barricade, where scores of fans enthusiastically extended their hands to high-five the point guard and congratulate him.
Verb
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As the service began, it was clasped shut.
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The Philly duo’s tender, faintly medieval-sounding folk song has its hands clasped and its heart on its sleeve.
Noun
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Brunson routinely greets Hargitay with an embrace after games — so much so that fellow Knicks superfan Ben Stiller admitted to being jealous of their bond.
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Advertisement What’s missing in Africa is not the innate ability or willingness, but rather the uniform embrace of these qualities.
Verb
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Traditionalism, or clinging to it, is already a political category.
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Less than four hours earlier just four blocks away, a 22-year-old man was left clinging to life when he was shot in the neck.
Noun
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Ojai was designed for accessibility with large grab bars by the doors and braille on the door controls.
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Bathrooms are wheelchair accessible and can be equipped with a roll-in shower, shower seat, grab bars, and more.
Verb
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On June 19, Hathaway casually stepped into the frame of her Instagram Reel in a white maxiskirt and matching blouse, dropping her arms to cradle her growing baby bump before walking out of the shot.
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It's also designed to cradle and lock the heel in place, which contributes to a secure fit that prevents your feet from slipping out of the shoe mid-step.
Cite this Entry
“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 30 Jun. 2026.
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