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
Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 May 2026
Even with the windows open all the way, the heat is hugging us, kissing us, pinching our cheeks.
—Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Your past self would surely give your future self a big, grateful hug.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hug
Verb
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hugs Arsenal mascot Gunnersaurus after the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium London on Monday.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 May 2026
Even with the windows open all the way, the heat is hugging us, kissing us, pinching our cheeks.
—Literary Hub, 18 May 2026
Noun
As Strike Force Five moved in for a final group hug on Colbert's desk, the departing host announced a new video episode of the podcast will be available on Wednesday, May 13.
—Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 12 May 2026
Your past self would surely give your future self a big, grateful hug.
—Jack Pitt-Brooke, New York Times, 12 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
Verb
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Blue Collar fans flooded the comments on the Instagram post, congratulating Serfer for building an institution that will forever be part of Miami’s culinary history.—
Amy Reyes,
Miami Herald,
16 May 2026
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Gil’s excited parents Annah (Clémentine Célarie) and Alain (Christian Benedetti) arrive along with her friends Agnes (Mina Kavani) and Ibrahim (Oussama Kheddam) to congratulate her.—
Alissa Simon,
Variety,
16 May 2026
Verb
-
Abner clasps Questelle’s face in her hands.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
22 May 2026
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With the entire circumference surrounded by a sea of humanity, Bishnoi hung back, her hands clasped in front of her mouth, while Rai went and lofted the Wanamaker Trophy above his head.—
Dana O’Neil,
CNN Money,
18 May 2026
Noun
-
Colbert put his finger on the emerging embrace of alternative truths and conspiracy theories, a pick-your-facts hostility to experts and professionals of every kind.—
Joy Press,
Vanity Fair,
22 May 2026
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Bobby Moynihan and Kenan Thompson embrace for a photo at the opening night of Celebrity Autobiography on Broadway in New York City on May 18.—
People Staff,
PEOPLE,
21 May 2026
Verb
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Many Democrats, spooked by the prospect of their party being frozen out in June’s top-two primary, have been clinging to their ballots, intending to vote at the last moment for whichever Democrat appears likeliest to finish first.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
15 May 2026
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The faux-wrap neckline stays secure while chasing after the kids, while the flowy A-line silhouette doesn’t cling to the body.—
Aashna Gheewalla,
PEOPLE,
15 May 2026
Noun
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The in-game score is composed separately by The Flight, but the Del Rey title track is the headline grab.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
16 May 2026
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The Ring of Honor Women’s World Championship was up for grabs in a Survival of the Fittest six-way match.—
Ryan Gaydos,
FOXNews.com,
16 May 2026
Verb
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Defying rigid architecture, the home’s interior features free-flowing lines and curves that cradle a freestanding soaking tub, sculptural walk-in shower, fireplace, and spacious beds.—
Kristin Braswell,
Architectural Digest,
29 Apr. 2026
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The defendant would cradle the victim with his arms.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
20 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 24 May. 2026.
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