as in hugging
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-hugging
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
CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bear-hugging
Verb
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The new Fast & Furious coaster that has been revving its engines during test runs around the hillside-hugging track will soon get the green flag to officially start racing with thrill seekers on board at Universal Studios Hollywood.—
Brady MacDonald,
Oc Register,
5 Feb. 2026
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Available in 19 versatile washes, these hip-hugging jeans gradually flare out to a bootcut leg.—
Cheryl Wagemann,
InStyle,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
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Manuel Alarcon, her father, was seated in the crowd, clasping his hands in rapt attention.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
9 Feb. 2026
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To keep the jewelry clean, Glasser covered them in bubblegum wrappers, removing them before clasping the dress in place.—
Sophia Panych,
Allure,
3 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bear-hugging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bear-hugging. Accessed 11 Feb. 2026.
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