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
The footage shows the four royals intently following the final moments of the match and then bursting into a jubilant round of applause at the final whistle, hugging one another to celebrate the achievement of the team. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 15 July 2026 Holland also crashed Bernthal’s red carpet interview with Extra, hugging the Walking Dead alum from behind. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 15 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
  1. congratulate
  2. clasp
  3. embrace
  4. cling
  5. grab
  6. cradle
Verb
  • Postmatch, the king of Spain, King Felipe VI, was one of the first to congratulate La Roja on snapping the 16-year drought.
    — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 July 2026
  • The Senate Leadership Fund, the main super PAC for Senate Republicans, released a statement congratulating Nordone’s nomination.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 13 July 2026
Definition of congratulate
Verb
  • Shocked, audience members clasped their hands to their mouths as Gordon described how the increasing physical attacks on judges have changed their lives and affected their families.
    — Sarah D. Wire, USA Today, 11 July 2026
  • The study, like the seven-and-a half-foot-tall finished painting, shows King Charles head on, in a Welsh Guards uniform, with his hands clasped in front of his waist resting on a sword.
    — Leigh Anne Miller, ARTnews.com, 9 July 2026
Definition of clasp
Noun
  • Unlike its more exclusive neighbor properties, Daunt’s feels like a warm embrace and a breath of fresh air at the same time.
    — Jessica Chapel, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 July 2026
  • Moving employees up not out Like many executives, Bozeman is at pains to say his company’s embrace of AI isn’t about replacing human workers.
    — Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 14 July 2026
Definition of embrace
Verb
  • Unlike skinny and slim styles, wide-leg jeans don’t cling to your legs, which provides more airflow on hot summer days.
    — Nicol Natale, PEOPLE, 16 July 2026
  • Its effortlessly drapey silhouette skims the body without clinging, while the high neckline lends a polished, sophisticated touch that’s easy to dress up or down.
    — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 15 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
  • The keys themselves feel comfortable as they're designed to cradle around your fingertips, creating a more seamless typing experience.
    — George Yang, PC Magazine, 13 July 2026
  • 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
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 18 Jul. 2026.

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