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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of hug
Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
In the black-and-white photo, Zendaya is all smiles as Holland hugs her from behind.
—Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 16 June 2026
Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
Fragrance experts say shoppers are trading bright, fresh-from-the-laundry-line scents for compositions that feel like a hug.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hug
Verb
His psychedelic paintings, sometimes painted in the style of Russian Orthodox icons, often depicted Putin with a bovine nose or hugging pigs.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
In the black-and-white photo, Zendaya is all smiles as Holland hugs her from behind.
—Angeline Jane Bernabe, ABC News, 16 June 2026
Noun
Shoppers searching for perfume trends in 2026 are finding a major shift away from crisp, clean fragrances toward warm, cozy and edible-inspired scents that feel like a hug in a bottle.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Charlotte Observer, 12 June 2026
Fragrance experts say shoppers are trading bright, fresh-from-the-laundry-line scents for compositions that feel like a hug.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Sacbee.com, 12 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
Verb
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Owens was begrudgingly congratulated by Hitler, but neither he nor the other Black medalists were ever even acknowledged by Roosevelt, who had also refused to endorse a boycott of the Games—an effort led by Black and Jewish organizations that opposed both Nazism and American segregation.—
Vann R. Newkirk II,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
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In a clip shared on social media, a beaming Kolek could be seen trotting alongside the parade barricade, where scores of fans enthusiastically extended their hands to high-five the point guard and congratulate him.—
Rachel Raposas,
PEOPLE,
19 June 2026
Verb
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Loay Hidmi was walking deliberately along the edge of the pool closest to the Lincoln Memorial, hands clasped behind his back, looking over the ledge.—
Rachel Treisman,
NPR,
19 June 2026
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Newlyweds Tito Avalos, 26, and Andrea Avalos, 24, who were visiting from El Salvador, tied their wishes to a tree together, their wrists entwined and fingers clasped.—
Deborah Vankin,
Los Angeles Times,
10 June 2026
Noun
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The world’s second-largest economy has also weathered the historic energy crunch triggered by the conflict better than many of its neighbors – in particular due to its copious strategic oil reserves and embrace of green tech and electric vehicles.—
Caitlin Danaher,
CNN Money,
20 June 2026
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The new owner, Jasen Mark, snapped it up four years ago, then spent $8 million to turn a rundown resort into a new five-star property that artfully straddles modern amenities and a nostalgic embrace of simpler times.—
Todd Plummer,
Robb Report,
19 June 2026
Verb
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It’s designed with a square neckline, adjustable spaghetti straps, convenient side pockets, and a breezy silhouette that won’t cling to you in the sticky heat.—
Emily Weaver,
PEOPLE,
20 June 2026
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And the Neuberger Berman Next Generation Connectivity Fund (NBXG), a recent addition to the CEF Insider portfolio, is a solid option that’s clinging to an undeserved double-digit discount.—
Michael Foster,
Forbes.com,
20 June 2026
Noun
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Five candidates will face off in a June 23 primary in New York's 17th Congressional District, a swath of the Hudson Valley that's up for grabs in November and crucial to the battle for House control.—
Chris McKenna,
USA Today,
22 June 2026
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That is a lot of enterprise value up for grabs.—
Rob Toews,
Forbes.com,
22 June 2026
Verb
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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
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It's also designed to cradle and lock the heel in place, which contributes to a secure fit that prevents your feet from slipping out of the shoe mid-step.—
Jasmine Gomez,
Travel + Leisure,
23 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 24 Jun. 2026.
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