HUG Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

hug 1 of 2

verb

ˈhəg

Definition of hug

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

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

Messi and the team also celebrated by hugging one another and approaching fans in the stands, waving and cheering with them. — Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 8 July 2026 Everyone needs to find someone who hugs them like Messi hugs people — teammates, coaches, opposing players, young fans. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

Noun

In another image, Kate bows her head and pulls Princess Charlotte tightly into her for a hug. — Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026 Taylor greeted her man after the show with a big hug and kiss. — Alicia Brunker, InStyle, 3 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for hug

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug

Verb

Her Instagram followers congratulated her on the memorable catch.

— Lisa Gutierrez July 7, Kansas City Star, 7 July 2026
Kate's parents, Carole and Michael Middleton, and her brother James were also waiting to congratulate her, posing for group photos at the scene.

— Jennifer Hassan, USA Today, 6 July 2026

Definition of congratulate

Verb

Charlotte, an avid tennis fan like her mom, could be seen clasping her face in shock with her eyes wide during the games, mirroring Kate's own expressions at times.

— Lara Walsh, InStyle, 4 July 2026
Aabria, by contrast, leans on personality and connection, clasping hands with the jurors and complimenting them before calmly lying about the rules of the bra contest and her victory.

— Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 30 June 2026

Definition of clasp

Noun

The second act takes place in 2024 in Glendale, where community members have gathered to be part of a reality TV star’s public embrace of her heritage.

— Theater Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026
The party is over at the Ed Sullivan Theater, but not before one last embrace from the Television Academy.

— Clayton Davis, Variety, 8 July 2026

Definition of embrace

Verb

Jarvis also turned a crucial 6-3 double play in the bottom of the seventh inning with the Braves clinging to a one-run lead after having been ahead by four earlier.

— Chad Bishop, AJC.com, 9 July 2026
One common musical principle that Hall and Russell both clung to was an aversion to vibrato and a preference for working with pure tone and drone.

— Harry Tafoya, Pitchfork, 9 July 2026

Definition of cling

Noun

Both teams’ stars came to play with top spot in Group K up for grabs, with the flair and technical quality on display making for a compelling watch with sweeping moves and 37 shots.

— Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
In a battle of contrasting styles, Colombia takes on Ghana with a place in the Round of 16 up for grabs.

— Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 July 2026

Definition of grab

Verb

On June 19, Hathaway casually stepped into the frame of her Instagram Reel in a white maxiskirt and matching blouse, dropping her arms to cradle her growing baby bump before walking out of the shot.

— Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 19 June 2026
On Wednesday, June 17, the journalist shared an Instagram post featuring herself in a New York Knicks jersey, cradling her sleeping newborn granddaughter, who was wearing a floral onesie.

— Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026

Definition of cradle

Browse Nearby Words

huffy

hug

huge

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 12 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of hug

verb

noun

Example Sentences

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