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

The beach is the stuff of postcards and paintings, hugged by cliffs with improbably radiant aquamarine water and a giant conical rock formation right in the middle of the bay. — Kathryn Romeyn, Travel + Leisure, 26 Aug. 2026

The dynamic duo giggled and hugged as curious onlookers took out their iPhones and started snapping away. — Dalton Ross, Entertainment Weekly, 26 Aug. 2026

Noun

This includes intimate physical contact with your partner, such as a 20-second hug or a six-second kiss. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 16 Aug. 2026

In another clip, he was pictured giving his girlfriend a hug backstage. — Meg Walters, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026