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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of hug
Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2025
In the video, the casually dressed Hacksaw Ridge star gives Barbaro a hug before escorting her out of the hotel.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 7 July 2025
Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Many of them hugged each other outside the church afterward.
—Cameron MacDonald, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Verb
His driver pulled into our driveway, got out of the car, and gave my husband a hug.
—Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2025
In the video, the casually dressed Hacksaw Ridge star gives Barbaro a hug before escorting her out of the hotel.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 7 July 2025
Noun
As his teammates cheered, Rogers walked over and hugged McKinstry.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Many of them hugged each other outside the church afterward.
—Cameron MacDonald, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
Verb
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Catcher Connor Wong #12 of the Boston Red Sox congratulates Aroldis Chapman #44 after their 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on July 13, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
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Friends star Courteney Cox and her boyfriend, singer Johnny McDaid, congratulated Iga Świątek after her Women’s Singles win on Saturday at Wimbledon.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
Verb
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Place your forearms on the ground, with your elbows under your shoulders and palms clasped together, forming a fist.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
14 July 2025
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In the clip, Grant is seen sitting next to his wife Anna Elisabet Eberstein wearing a pair of sunglasses when his head appears to slump over to his right side, his hands clasped together in his lap.—
Alli Rosenbloom,
CNN Money,
9 July 2025
Noun
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Wednesday's bit took an unexpected turn when the cameras landed on Byron and Cabot, locked in a warm embrace.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
19 July 2025
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The moment skyrocketed to virality, quickly helping social media users to identify the couple in the public embrace.—
Melonee Hurt,
The Tennessean,
18 July 2025
Verb
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The challenge is that some people will cling to AI sentience and start to revolve their lives around what the seemingly sentient AI tells them to do.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
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These relaxed shorts won’t cling to your skin on sweltering afternoons, while the sweat-wicking, stretchy material will work overtime to keep you cool.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
10 July 2025
Noun
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Backup guard spots, then, are likely the most up for grabs; returners like Garguilo, Throckmorton, and Sherman will have to jockey for reps.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
13 July 2025
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But that’s not the only race to watch — at least three other congressional seats could be up for grabs.—
Grace Miserocchi,
Chicago Tribune,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Nicola, played like a taut violin string by Embeth Davidtz (who also directed and adapted this story from Alexandra Fuller’s memoir of the same name), sleeps cradling an assault rifle.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
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Unlike squeaky inflatable neck pillows, this plush version is made up of supportive memory foam that cradles your neck, shoulders, and chin for ultimate comfort.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 23 Jul. 2025.
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