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
Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
While most of us would see a hug as something positive, new research from New York's Binghamton University suggests that not every embrace comes from a place of affection—in fact, quite the opposite.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 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
Sage could have stopped there and given Shannon her consolation hug after winning the day by turning the tribe vote against her.
—Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 30 Oct. 2025
While most of us would see a hug as something positive, new research from New York's Binghamton University suggests that not every embrace comes from a place of affection—in fact, quite the opposite.
—Alice Gibbs, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
Verb
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Pop icon Justin Bieber publicly congratulated him, leading to the development of a friendship between the two.—
Devlina Sarkar,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
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Legendary skateboarder Tony Hawk — who knows a little something about landing a 900 — congratulated Ovechkin on the milestone.—
Sean Gentille,
New York Times,
6 Nov. 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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The first four teams in girls Division 3 advance and while Cathedral Catholic and La Costa Canyon are prohibitive favorites to move on, the other two spots are up for grabs.—
Steve Brand,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
11 Nov. 2025
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Local Democratic leaders say the Republican president is staging a power grab.—
Michael Loria,
USA Today,
11 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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Wyoming defensive back Desman Hearns followed Brousseau’s eyes, too, stepping in front of Maher and cradling the pick at the CSU 49.—
Sean Keeler,
Denver Post,
26 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 18 Nov. 2025.
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