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
Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Check the label for height and spread, as some grow large and mounding while others hug the ground.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 12 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
When the game was over, James hugged several of the Thunder players.
—Broderick Turner, Los Angeles Times, 12 May 2026
Check the label for height and spread, as some grow large and mounding while others hug the ground.
—Steve Bender, Southern Living, 12 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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She was congratulated by Larson after the announcement at Goodwin University in East Hartford.—
Christopher Keating,
Hartford Courant,
12 May 2026
-
The Rock, Dwayne Johnson himself, congratulated Francis Mauigoa on social media when the Giants drafted him to be their new starting right guard in April.—
Pat Leonard,
New York Daily News,
11 May 2026
Verb
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In one segment, when Kimmel and McNearney pick up a hitchhiking Olivia Rodrigo while taking the family to school, Jane shows off her personality, clasping her hands over her mouth in disbelief when Rodrigo enters the car, only to sing-along with the pop star on her way to school.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
-
Hands clasped, head bowed, blank and fair of face.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 May 2026
Noun
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Over the course of its history, the series has made headlines for its frank embrace of sexuality.—
Hunter Ingram,
Variety,
15 May 2026
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Also in Ship Bottom, this charming cottage has a saltwater pool to splash around in, and can squeeze up to eight people in its colorful embrace.—
Jessica Chapel,
Condé Nast Traveler,
15 May 2026
Verb
-
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
-
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 19 May. 2026.
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