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bear-hugged

verb

past tense of bear-hug
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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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-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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bear-hugged
  1. hugged
  2. clasped
Verb
  • Seated in a wheelchair, he was quickly wheeled out of the courtroom after the sentencing, while some of his accusers hugged and brushed away tears.
    — Michael R. Sisak, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Community members, including many teenagers, hugged and supported each other during the emotional gathering.
    — Desiree Anello, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of hugged
Verb
  • Davis stood with his lawyer as the verdict was read, then sat with his hands clasped on the table.
    — Jon Haworth, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
  • In a 1987 article for the New York Times, Albuquerque jewelry salesman Manny Goodman recalls seeing Native Americans wearing bandanas clasped with silver conches as early as the 1930s.
    — Paige Moore, AZCentral.com, 31 Aug. 2026
Definition of clasped

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bear-hug
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bear-hugging
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Cite this Entry

“Bear-hugged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bear-hugged. Accessed 29 Sep. 2026.

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