as in hugs
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bear-hugs
Verb
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There’s an eroding three-mile stretch of Highway 101 in California’s remote northwest corner that hugs fog-shrouded cliffs between the redwood forest and the Pacific Ocean.
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In the black-and-white photo, Zendaya is all smiles as Holland hugs her from behind.
Verb
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King clasps his head, ready to shield his eyes if need be.
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Abner clasps Questelle’s face in her hands.
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Cite this Entry
“Bear-hugs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bear-hugs. Accessed 25 Jun. 2026.
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