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
Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
The pair then hugged before Lillard walked over and seemingly congratulated them.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
ABC News, 31 May 2026
Back in the dugout, Gage gave Lee a big hug in appreciation of his efforts.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hug
Verb
Renewing acquaintances in April, when the Giants visited San Diego this season for the first time, Preller chatted him up and hugged him.
—Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 June 2026
The pair then hugged before Lillard walked over and seemingly congratulated them.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 2 June 2026
Noun
Many ended the session with a hug.
—ABC News, 31 May 2026
Back in the dugout, Gage gave Lee a big hug in appreciation of his efforts.
—Justice Delos Santos, Mercury News, 30 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
Verb
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Hurts did not change his description of their relationship when asked about it in his first news conference of the offseason and congratulated Brown on his wedding.—
Chad Graff,
New York Times,
1 June 2026
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In a brief speech after Qualls earned the endorsement, Demuth did not congratulate him.—
Jimmy Lovrien,
Twin Cities,
31 May 2026
Verb
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Smart says her favorite moment of the finale may be when Deborah asks to clasp hands with Ava — in order to reveal the truth.—
Michael Schneider,
Variety,
29 May 2026
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King clasps his head, ready to shield his eyes if need be.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
26 May 2026
Noun
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But Kyiv’s early embrace of drones, and the mass-industrialization of their accuracy and power, has begun to exact a defining toll on Moscow.—
Nick Paton Walsh,
CNN Money,
30 May 2026
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The release of the funds was a signal of Brussels’ embrace of the new government in Budapest after the 16-year tenure of Viktor Orbán, who was allied with Russia and antagonized the EU.—
Justin Spike,
Los Angeles Times,
29 May 2026
Verb
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Just hundreds of sheep clinging to the grassy slopes.—
Lori Rackl,
Boston Herald,
31 May 2026
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Xaisomboun province, Laos — Hungry and weak, the Laos cave survivors huddled together in damp darkness for 11 days, clinging to hope as a wall of water blocked their way out.—
Kocha Olarn,
CNN Money,
31 May 2026
Noun
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Apple is reportedly developing a new iPhone anti-snatching feature that instantly locks the device upon detecting a sudden grab.—
David Phelan,
Forbes.com,
31 May 2026
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There’s even a smaller sister café, Mercadito Cantina Leon, which serves breakfast, coffee and tea, tacos and other casual grab-and-go items.—
Connie Ogle
May 31,
Miami Herald,
31 May 2026
Verb
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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
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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
Cite this Entry
“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
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