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
Ilana Arougheti
updated October 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
There’s also something about the crispness of fall air that makes a hot bowl of soup feel like a warm hug.
—Essence, 4 Oct. 2025
Melissa Willets, Parents, 14 Oct. 2025
This spirit of delusion soothes Max and Christian enough to lead them to hug out their differences.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Verb
And so many kids have come by all week long… to give me a hug or a high five and just congratulate me.
—Ilana Arougheti
updated October 7, Kansas City Star, 7 Oct. 2025
There’s also something about the crispness of fall air that makes a hot bowl of soup feel like a warm hug.
—Essence, 4 Oct. 2025
Noun
And, things can turn on a dime, so hug those kiddos extra tight!
—Melissa Willets, Parents, 14 Oct. 2025
This spirit of delusion soothes Max and Christian enough to lead them to hug out their differences.
—Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 14 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
Verb
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As commissioner Cathy Engelbert took the microphone to congratulate the Las Vegas Aces and crown them the WNBA champions, fans in Phoenix drowned out her message with relentless booing.—
Shannon Ryan,
New York Times,
11 Oct. 2025
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One attendee in the crowd was even spotted giving the middle finger while Engelbert spoke to congratulate the Aces.—
Ryan Morik,
FOXNews.com,
11 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Later, the family clasped hands and prayed in a circle.—
Katie Moore,
Kansas City Star,
16 Oct. 2025
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So the film only makes sense when those two things are clasped together.—
Anne Thompson,
IndieWire,
14 Oct. 2025
Noun
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With the postgame handshakes delivered and the field gradually clearing, Rising and Brady Smigiel meet near the 45-yard line and embrace.—
Brian Hamilton,
New York Times,
17 Oct. 2025
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The shift is widely attributed to former Vice President Al Gore’s embrace of environmental policies, with the region historically comprising Democratic-leaning states dating back to the 1930s through the 1990s, home to several legendary party figures such as West Virginia’s Robert Byrd.—
Sasha Rogelberg,
Fortune,
14 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Two governors' races dominate this upcoming off-cycle Election Day, as Democrats hope to cling to power in the Garden State and flip control from Republicans in Virginia, as both incumbents are term-limited.—
Brittany Shepherd,
ABC News,
17 Oct. 2025
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Frehley picks up on the drummer’s simmering syncopation hereand unleashes a banshee-like howl of a solo that still clings to the band’s rhythm.—
A.D. Amorosi,
Variety,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Store your trail mix in an airtight container or in individual silicone baggies for an easy grab-and-go snack.—
Jillian Kubala,
Health,
14 Oct. 2025
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Dicker’s 33-yard kick, rewarding JK Scott’s reach grab and placement, went through with five seconds left.—
Tom Krasovic,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
13 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Other photos showed the new mom and dad cradling their little one — and even a photo of their dog greeting the newest member of the family.—
Ryan Brennan,
Miami Herald,
12 Sep. 2025
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Some elements can recall being cradled as a baby; many find being rocked during a massage, or bundled up in a cloth, tremendously emotional.—
Sarah Larson,
New Yorker,
8 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 19 Oct. 2025.
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