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
Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
What Jeremiah really needs right now is a hug, but Taylor and Steven are doing their best with tough love and diligently protecting him from his own phone.
—Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025
Layered on top of this is the Northern Sea Route, a shipping lane hugging the Russian coast in the Arctic that connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, chops down transit times and helps Moscow transport hydrocarbons to key markets, including in Asia.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Verb
Dumi, the British-Nigerian-Brazilian designer behind the Torishéju label, burst into tears, prompting Padukone to give her a hug mid-speech.
—Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 2025
What Jeremiah really needs right now is a hug, but Taylor and Steven are doing their best with tough love and diligently protecting him from his own phone.
—Kathleen Walsh, Vulture, 3 Sep. 2025
Noun
When Frankie finally returned home, Beau couldn't contain his joy, jumping for joy and hugging his best friend.
—Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 31 Aug. 2025
Layered on top of this is the Northern Sea Route, a shipping lane hugging the Russian coast in the Arctic that connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, chops down transit times and helps Moscow transport hydrocarbons to key markets, including in Asia.
—Ellie Cook, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
Verb
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When the Niners clinched their spot in the coveted game, Brandt congratulated Purdy on the field.—
Alex Gurley,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
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But weeks later, as Biden was being sworn into office, Cawthorn would be one of 17 freshmen who wrote to Biden congratulating him on his election and asking for bipartisanship.—
Danielle Battaglia,
Charlotte Observer,
4 Sep. 2025
Verb
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After arriving on the scene, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey ran toward the sanctuary and was later seen clasping his hands outside on the church steps.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
28 Aug. 2025
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Parents, some in tears, walked from the school, clasping their kids by the hands or carrying them out on their shoulders.—
Natasha Korecki,
NBC news,
27 Aug. 2025
Noun
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Foster’s embrace of the label was not an accident; Armani had set up a specialist VIP dressing room on Rodeo Drive in the late ‘80s that stars could visit to be styled.—
Belinda Luscombe,
Time,
5 Sep. 2025
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The two embrace and appear surprised to see each other.—
Oren Liebermann,
CNN Money,
5 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Even when Pegula rediscovered her ability to smother Sabalenka with deep returns to her backhand, the Belarusian clung onto her serve.—
Charlie Eccleshare,
New York Times,
5 Sep. 2025
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Pheu Thai's crisis was triggered back in June by Anutin's withdrawal from its alliance, which left the coalition government clinging to power with a razor-thin majority amid protests and plummeting popularity.—
Panarat Thepgumpanat,
USA Today,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The open-air shopping center has a grocery store, coffee shop (Java Java), a gourmet deli (The Station), and a grab-and-go beach bodega (The Co-Op).—
Lydia Mansel,
Travel + Leisure,
2 Sep. 2025
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Nadler's seat, which will be up for grabs, is expected to remain Democratic in the 2026 midterm elections.—
Lauren Peller,
ABC News,
2 Sep. 2025
Verb
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These orthotic-rivaling insoles offer several benefits and are strategically designed to cradle your feet.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
7 Sep. 2025
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They’re made with real leather and are cushioned to cradle your foot.—
Christopher Murray
may earn a commission if you buy through our referral links. This content was created by a team that works independently from the Fox newsroom.,
FOXNews.com,
5 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.
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