Thesaurus results for BEAR-HUGGING

bear-hugging

verb

Definition of bear-hugging next

present participle of bear-hug

as in hugging

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-hugging Once Tyler and Beau got there to Victory Lane, right before the confetti popped and rained down and reminded Reddick that yes, this was real, and yes, Jordan was bear-hugging him, and yes, a childhood dream had come true — a new memory took place. —

Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2026 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

Recent Examples of Synonyms for bear-hugging

Verb

Tuttle attended the screening of A Letter To David – The Complete Version and, following the conservative backlash this week, Shoval posted a picture of the festival director hugging him before the 2025 premiere.

— Scott Roxborough, HollywoodReporter, 26 Feb. 2026
The loafer is made with an arch-hugging insole that supports your foot’s natural alignment to keep foot fatigue away.

— Jasmine Gomez, Travel + Leisure, 26 Feb. 2026