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
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hug
Lara Walsh, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
Its drooping branches tend to hug the tree but can sometimes spread as far as 8 feet.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
Glenn wrapped both of her competitors — her friends — into a tight group hug.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hug
Verb
In an October 26 Instagram post, Scott Collins shared a birthday tribute to Urban including a photo of the pair hugging on stage.
—Lara Walsh, InStyle, 20 Jan. 2026
Its drooping branches tend to hug the tree but can sometimes spread as far as 8 feet.
—Lee Wallender, The Spruce, 20 Jan. 2026
Noun
The gift that elicits a hug from Farley Webster grew up in Michigan attending Riverside High School in Dearborn Heights, Michigan.
—Jamie L. Lareau, USA Today, 10 Jan. 2026
Glenn wrapped both of her competitors — her friends — into a tight group hug.
—Los Angeles Times, 10 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
Verb
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The pair exchanged smiles and kisses as the accolade was engraved, while Chalamet also congratulated fellow winner Paul Thomas Anderson, who took home the Best Screenplay award for One Battle After Another.—
Clare Fisher,
PEOPLE,
13 Jan. 2026
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Trump congratulated Microsoft on its efforts to keep prices in check, suggesting that other companies will make similar commitments.—
Jordan Novet,
CNBC,
13 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Smith sits poised, contemplative, his hands clasped together.—
Sam Kestenbaum,
Vulture,
2 Jan. 2026
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The 41-year-old Monterey Park resident clasped a cup of hot chocolate.—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
1 Jan. 2026
Noun
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An alternative might be to deviate even further from his identity, embrace offense, increase the pace and the deployment of small-ball units.—
Aaron Heisen,
Daily News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Almost 55 years since Southwest’s first flight took off from Dallas Love Field, its CEO has abandoned its distinctive embrace of open seating, single-class cabins and letting customers check two bags for free.—
Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson,
semafor.com,
9 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Most notably, the Sabres held on when the ice was tilted in their direction clinging to a one-goal lead in the third period.—
CBS News,
CBS News,
9 Jan. 2026
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Wendell Cruz / Imagn Images The Buffalo Sabres were clinging to a 3-2 lead with just over five minutes to play against the New York Rangers when Peyton Krebs took a careless high-sticking penalty.—
Matthew Fairburn,
New York Times,
9 Jan. 2026
Noun
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The deal is regarded as significant as Iglesias’ comedy catalogue was one of the most high-profile still up for grabs on the marketplace.—
Matt Grobar,
Deadline,
7 Jan. 2026
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Wilson recorded 61 catches and a team-high six scores in 2023 as a true freshman, but managed just 19 grabs and one score after a hip injury ended his 2024 season.—
Edgar Thompson,
The Orlando Sentinel,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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All Fox could do was cradle Truman’s hand, stare straight ahead, summon a proud mournful dignity, and try to pretend that the people all around them did not exist.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
12 Jan. 2026
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As players shoot around, Jake cradles a ball before blowing past an imaginary defender to hammer home a dunk.—
Mirin Fader,
New York Times,
7 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 22 Jan. 2026.
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