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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of hug
Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2025
In the video, the casually dressed Hacksaw Ridge star gives Barbaro a hug before escorting her out of the hotel.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 7 July 2025
Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Many of them hugged each other outside the church afterward.
—Cameron MacDonald, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Verb
His driver pulled into our driveway, got out of the car, and gave my husband a hug.
—Jessica Tzikas, Sun Sentinel, 10 July 2025
In the video, the casually dressed Hacksaw Ridge star gives Barbaro a hug before escorting her out of the hotel.
—Emily Blackwood, People.com, 7 July 2025
Noun
As his teammates cheered, Rogers walked over and hugged McKinstry.
—Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 10 July 2025
Many of them hugged each other outside the church afterward.
—Cameron MacDonald, Mercury News, 10 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
Verb
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Among those congratulating Affleck on Instagram are her Mormon Wives co-stars, and fellow moms-to-be Mayci Neeley and Mikayla Matthews.—
Sari Hitchins,
Parents,
3 July 2025
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Keynote speaker and commanding officer Marine Corps Col. Kwabena K. Gyimah shared his personal journey as a son of parents who immigrated from Ghana and congratulated the troops.—
David J. Bohnet,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
3 July 2025
Verb
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During most of the government’s presentation, though, Combs clasped his hands in his lap and looked forward, or down at the ground.—
Ethan Shanfeld,
Variety,
26 June 2025
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Appearing to bask in the vindication, Panahi clasped his hands behind his head and leaned back seated in sunglasses, savoring the moment while those around him stood in an ovation.—
Joshua Rothkopf,
Los Angeles Times,
24 May 2025
Noun
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The historic names and embrace of Cincinnati history are fitting tributes to our past.—
Jeff Suess,
The Enquirer,
3 July 2025
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The president’s embrace of fossil fuels and hostility to renewable energy is reflected in his signature domestic policy law.—
Spencer Kimball,
CNBC,
3 July 2025
Verb
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The challenge is that some people will cling to AI sentience and start to revolve their lives around what the seemingly sentient AI tells them to do.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
10 July 2025
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These relaxed shorts won’t cling to your skin on sweltering afternoons, while the sweat-wicking, stretchy material will work overtime to keep you cool.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
10 July 2025
Noun
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Backup guard spots, then, are likely the most up for grabs; returners like Garguilo, Throckmorton, and Sherman will have to jockey for reps.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
13 July 2025
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But that’s not the only race to watch — at least three other congressional seats could be up for grabs.—
Grace Miserocchi,
Chicago Tribune,
12 July 2025
Verb
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Exiting the hotel, the group disappears down San Juan Avenue toward the mountains cradling the community.—
Garret K. Woodward,
Rolling Stone,
5 July 2025
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One sweet snap captured the actress cradling daughter, Emerson Clover, who was born in September 2024, while husband Christopher French held their 4-year-old daughter, Jupiter Iris, on his shoulders during a beach day.—
Liza Esquibias,
People.com,
2 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
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