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
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hug
Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
Some couples simply make sure to never leave the house without a hug or kiss.
—Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 21 July 2025
Sara Coughlin, SELF, 22 July 2025
This comes after a viral video taken during a Coldplay concert in Boston captured a man who resembles Byron hugged up with a woman many online sleuths identified as Astronomer’s HR boss Kristin Cabot.
—Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Verb
After the celebration, the two shared a hug before leaving the ring.
—Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
Some couples simply make sure to never leave the house without a hug or kiss.
—Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 21 July 2025
Noun
It’s made with two foam layers: The first is lighter and hugs your body, while the second is denser for added support.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 22 July 2025
This comes after a viral video taken during a Coldplay concert in Boston captured a man who resembles Byron hugged up with a woman many online sleuths identified as Astronomer’s HR boss Kristin Cabot.
—Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
Verb
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Instead, coaches are gently correcting or congratulating Ewers.—
Chris Perkins,
Sun Sentinel,
30 July 2025
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Council President Joe LaCava congratulated McClurg on her retirement from a 38-year career in public education, the last 16 years spent in the Del Mar district, where all nine schools are geographically in the city of San Diego.—
Karen Billing,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
29 July 2025
Verb
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At a dinner with their former literature grad students, Lydie clasps Agnes’ hand under the table at the mention of their former thesis adviser.—
Jake Coyle,
Boston Herald,
4 July 2025
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Reportedly, Combs appeared visibly emotional, clasping his hands in prayer.—
Amber Corrine,
VIBE.com,
3 July 2025
Noun
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Is this embrace of trending accessories a large swing?—
Robyn Mowatt,
Essence,
31 July 2025
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But Jose says the sudden overall enthusiasm for food additive regulation reflects consumer frustration with federal inaction and an abrupt political embrace of the issue by conservative lawmakers historically resistant to regulation.—
Yuki Noguchi,
NPR,
30 July 2025
Verb
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There was an old spiderweb still clinging to the railing by her front door.—
Mona Awad,
New Yorker,
20 July 2025
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And the old White people clinging to their NPR and PBS know it.—
Michael Graham,
Boston Herald,
18 July 2025
Noun
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The 2025 Tour de France is down to its final three stages, and the yellow jersey is still up for grabs.—
Jenny Catlin,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
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Two of the spots up for grabs are at left guard and right tackle.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
24 July 2025
Verb
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In the first image, the newborn’s tiny foot is gently cradled by what appears to be both Pons and Guaynaa.—
Mitchell Peters,
Billboard,
27 July 2025
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At one point, Sati cradled her face in her hands, overjoyed at what her grandson had created, before leaning back in for another look at her husband.—
Saleen Martin,
USA Today,
19 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 3 Aug. 2025.
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