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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In a confusing sequence of events, the two then hugged endearingly and walked the aisle out of the ceremony together.—
Tiney Ricciardi,
Denver Post,
22 Oct. 2025
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The dress, which hugged her hourglass figure, featured 50,000 freshwater pearls and 16,000 crystal pearls.—
Ariana Quihuiz,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The pair took a spin through the watery exhibits, and then Hanks clasped his hands together.—
Sarah Larson,
New Yorker,
20 Oct. 2025
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Later, the family clasped hands and prayed in a circle.—
Katie Moore,
Kansas City Star,
16 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Bear-hugged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bear-hugged. Accessed 29 Oct. 2025.
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