Synonyms of hug

hug 1 of 2

verb

ˈhəg 

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

• congratulate
• compliment
• cheer
• salute
• commend
• applaud
• felicitate
• praise
• hail
• extol
• laud
• glorify

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• minimize
• discount
• diminish
• decry
• put down
• write off
• disparage
• belittle
• depreciate
• deprecate
• tease
• taunt
• mock
• cry down
• bad-mouth
• ridicule
• jeer

2

as in to clasp

to put one's arms around and press tightly

Grandma hugged the grandchildren good-bye

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clasp
• cling
• grab
• embrace
• cradle
• wrap
• bear-hug
• hold
• grasp
• enfold
• pat
• snuggle
• crush
• enclasp
• strain
• grip
• bosom
• clamp
• cuddle
• fold
• encircle
• envelop
• lock
• stroke
• nuzzle
• pet
• fondle
• nestle
• embosom
• entwine
• enwind
• twine

hug

2 of 2

noun

as in embrace

Related Words

• embrace
• grab
• clinch
• foothold
• seizure
• footing
• purchase
• leverage
• toehold
• anchorage
• clasp
• grasp
• grip
• clench
• hold
• handhold
• grapple
• handgrip

Dissimilar Words

• release
• relinquishment

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hug

Verb

Even gently running your fingers up and down your arms and hugging yourself can re-write these interactions. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 29 Oct. 2026

In the exclusive first-look clip above, O’Connor artfully grapples with his longing to return to music, hugging a past version of himself playing the violin as his face bleeds from a boxing injury. — Ellise Shafer, Variety, 28 Oct. 2026

Noun

No longer separated by a table, Gage and Nader exchanged a warm hug, while new friends—but each a long-term supporter of the designer—Ganesh and Tabasco bid farewell. — Vogue, 5 Oct. 2026

Some close their eyes and smile, as if a hug from Erika is a hug from Charlie. — Clara Molot, Vanity Fair, 29 Sep. 2026