as in hugged
to put one's arms around and press tightly
elated team members bear-hugging everyone in sight
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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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After naming the crater Carroll, the four astronauts hugged while shedding tears and a moment of silence was observed in NASA Mission Control in Houston.—
Jacopo Prisco,
CNN Money,
7 Apr. 2026
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Pogačar and van der Poel were mobbed by photographers and warmly hugged each other after the finish.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
5 Apr. 2026
Verb
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The oversized coat featured a single button along the collar, which Zendaya wore clasped over her cotton-poplin skirt, creating a voluminous silhouette with an airy effect.—
Staff Author,
InStyle,
4 Apr. 2026
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As Keyla ran around the stage in a black dress adorned with crosses, Richie and Palmer clasped their hands in excitement.—
KiMi Robinson,
USA Today,
24 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bear-hugged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bear-hugged. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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