Thesaurus results for BEAR-HUG

bear-hug

verb

ˈber-ˌhəg

Definition of bear-hug

as in to hug

to put one's arms around and press tightly elated team members bear-hugging everyone in sight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of bear-hug Williams celebrated by jumping onto the goal post padding and bear-hugging the upright, which earned him a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. — CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025 Aggies players were ecstatic with the triumph, high-fiving and bear-hugging each other and then shaking hands with fans young and old. — Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 15 Nov. 2025 Running back Isaac Guerendo returned to practice Tuesday and twice ran into the line only to be bear-hugged by Warner, who followed orders and did not tackle to the ground. — Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2025 And then Forbes will see the kid disappear into a giant bear-hug. — Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for bear-hug

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bear-hug

Verb

The ships were directed to take a route along the southern side of the Strait of Hormuz, hugging Oman's coastline, rather than a route along Iran's coastline on the northern side of the strait.

— Jackie Northam, NPR, 17 July 2026
Ronaldo Salgado, son of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, who was shot and killed by an ICE officer last week, is hugged outside a public visitation for this father on Thursday in Houston.

— Albinson Linares, NBC news, 17 July 2026

Definition of hug

Verb

Shocked, audience members clasped their hands to their mouths as Gordon described how the increasing physical attacks on judges have changed their lives and affected their families.

— Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 11 July 2026
The study, like the seven-and-a half-foot-tall finished painting, shows King Charles head on, in a Welsh Guards uniform, with his hands clasped in front of his waist resting on a sword.

— Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026

Definition of clasp

Browse Nearby Words

bear fruit

bear-hug

bear-hugged

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“Bear-hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bear-hug. Accessed 18 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of bear-hug

verb

Example Sentences

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