hug 1 of 2

verb

ˈhəg How to pronounce hug (audio)
Definition of hugnext
1
as in to congratulate
to express to (someone) admiration for his or her success or good fortune she hugged herself for having made a killing on the investment

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to clasp
to put one's arms around and press tightly Grandma hugged the grandchildren good-bye

Synonyms & Similar Words

hug

2 of 2

noun

as in embrace

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

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 hug
Verb
One 10-year-old girl, crying and trying to hug her father, was allegedly grabbed by the neck by law enforcement, according to the lawsuit. — Sarah Cutler, Idaho Statesman, 19 Oct. 2026 Some spots could see major flooding depending on exactly how close the storm hugs the coast. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026
Noun
No longer separated by a table, Gage and Nader exchanged a warm hug, while new friends—but each a long-term supporter of the designer—Ganesh and Tabasco bid farewell. — Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026 Some close their eyes and smile, as if a hug from Erika is a hug from Charlie. — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
  1. congratulate
  2. clasp
  3. embrace
  4. cling
  5. grab
  6. cradle
Verb
  • The tragedy unfolded just one day after the archdiocese congratulated Sánchez Molinari on the anniversary of his ordination, Ecuadorian news outlet Primicias reported.
    — Stepheny Price, FOXNews.com, 18 Oct. 2026
  • How Mana got his start A young man walking on Flagler recognized Mana and stopped to shake his hand, congratulating him on the recent billion-dollar sale in Wynwood.
    — Catherine Odom, Miami Herald, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of congratulate
Verb
  • Embiid appeared to wonder during the national anthem where the Knicks' championship banner was hanging in the rafters as James sat nearby on the bench with his head bowed and hands clasped.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The upshot of this is that George, who works the room in a sharp gray suit, a few tattoos peeking out, has plenty of opportunities to charismatically make things right, shaking hands and clasping shoulders and sending over lull-filling drinks.
    — Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 18 Oct. 2026
Definition of clasp
Noun
  • Celine’s Michael Rider leads a pack of creatives who seek spontaneous styling, embrace imperfection, and refuse to be bound by rules.
    — Laird Borrelli-Persson, Vogue, 21 Oct. 2026
  • Meanwhile, his consistent embrace of Daoism is quiet and surfaces through subtle actions instead.
    — Nina Corcoran, Pitchfork, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of embrace
Verb
  • In the meantime, the migrants had to tread water, alone in the immense, dark ocean, with little to cling to but debris and each other.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2026
  • In the house, his children clung to a ceiling fan as rising water pushed their mattress toward the ceiling.
    — Abe Streep, ProPublica, 21 Oct. 2026
Definition of cling
Noun
  • The Dolphins scored on their first two drives of the game, with Willis finding rookie Caleb Douglas, who missed the last few games due to injury, for a seven-yard touchdown grab to kick off the scoring in this one.
    — Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026
  • There are also some grab-and-go snacks available for purchase in the living/reception area.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 25 Oct. 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • The device features flexible side wings that can fold inward to cradle the head and neck.
    — Colson Thayer, PEOPLE, 22 July 2026
  • While standard flip-flops are generally relatively flat, these are made with plenty of arch support, along with deep heel cups to cradle your feet for full-day comfort.
    — Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 17 July 2026
Definition of cradle

Browse Nearby Words

huffy
hug
huge
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Cite this Entry

“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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