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
Philip Elliott, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
Kinloch offers advice, not concession to Sheffield After giving his speech, Kinloch shook hands, hugged and took photos with his supporters, who generally radiated smiles and continued dancing, despite his loss in the race.
—Dana Afana, Freep.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 17 Oct. 2025
Steelers left tackle Broderick Jones, who is officially listed at 311 pounds, came from behind and gave Rodgers a big hug, which took the 41-year-old to the ground.
—Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Verb
Some broke out into dancing, while many became emotional, hugging one another.
—Philip Elliott, Time, 5 Nov. 2025
Kinloch offers advice, not concession to Sheffield After giving his speech, Kinloch shook hands, hugged and took photos with his supporters, who generally radiated smiles and continued dancing, despite his loss in the race.
—Dana Afana, Freep.com, 5 Nov. 2025
Noun
After the verdict, prosecutor Brenda Sund gave Kline’s mother, Jennifer Kline, a big hug.
—Nick Ferraro, Twin Cities, 17 Oct. 2025
Steelers left tackle Broderick Jones, who is officially listed at 311 pounds, came from behind and gave Rodgers a big hug, which took the 41-year-old to the ground.
—Saad Yousuf, New York Times, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
Verb
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The president even congratulated him following the June 3 opening of his restaurant The Detroit Cowboy in Nashville.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
31 Oct. 2025
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Sharik and Jessica Burgess-Stride of Rotorua were finishing their wedding paperwork when actor Elijah Wood walked down the aisle to congratulate them.—
Ashley Vega,
PEOPLE,
30 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Hannah McGuire stepped up to a microphone outside City Hall with hands clasped together in front of her and took a deep breath.—
Kirsten Fiscus,
Nashville Tennessean,
6 Nov. 2025
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Use your left hand to stabilize your thigh by clasping the left knee.—
Gerard Hartmann,
Outside,
3 Nov. 2025
Noun
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Bonus points for a welcoming embrace of tobacco smoke around the premises, even if it's been years since anyone (legally) smoked inside.—
Bradley Hohulin,
IndyStar,
7 Nov. 2025
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The actresses shared a warm embrace at the end that really hit a high note.—
Jillian Sederholm,
Entertainment Weekly,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The crimes with which she has been charged are trumped up and her arrest is a cynical ploy by the junta headed by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing to cling onto power.—
Kim Aris,
Time,
7 Nov. 2025
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Lyubova could only cling to her belief that better health awaited her at the lower camps.—
Zoey Lyttle,
PEOPLE,
7 Nov. 2025
Noun
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There are assorted grab-and-go options throughout the stadium as well.—
Ed Masley,
AZCentral.com,
4 Nov. 2025
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What to watch in Detroit City Council Along with a heated mayor's race, there are two open districts seats and two at-large seats up for grabs on the Detroit City Council.—
Tanya Wildt,
Freep.com,
4 Nov. 2025
Verb
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While most pies rely on a pastry crust to cradle their fillings, Angel Pie is different.—
Josh Miller,
Southern Living,
31 Oct. 2025
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Preservé is generally for those who are having their first augmentation (not a revision), who want a modest size increase, and who have relatively symmetric breasts and enough breast tissue to cradle the implant.—
Jolene Edgar,
Allure,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 8 Nov. 2025.
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