as in hugged
to put one's arms around and press tightly
elated team members bear-hugging everyone in sight
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Recent Examples of bear-hugged
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
Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bear-hugged
Verb
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Liu hugged Sakamoto tight and long.—
NBC News,
NBC news,
21 Feb. 2026
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In addition to a splendid burger, La Birra Bar, which has locations in North Miami Beach, Wynwood, Fort Lauderdale, Weston and Argentina, has a spirited team, who shouted and hugged each other and celebrated vigorously after the victory was announced.—
Connie Ogle
Updated February 20,
Miami Herald,
20 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Sitting in a back room at ExtraMile Arena last weekend, Miller clasped hands with old teammate Steve Barrett, who helped pull him to his feet after an hourlong interview with the Statesman.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
28 Feb. 2026
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As the final seconds ticked down, Bishop’s senior Lotte Lightner clasped the hand of a teammate on the bench and then bounced up to cheer.—
Glae Thien,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
22 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bear-hugged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bear-hugged. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.
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