1
as in congratulating
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 clasping
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 hugging
After the screening, video circulated online of the True Blood alum, wearing a white Magliano T-shirt with an image of a boot hovering over a man's outstretched tongue, hugging Pascal and kissing him on the cheek while the cast received a standing ovation at the screening.
—
Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025
She was also seen hugging the Italian fashion designer and whispering into his ear.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
The family's day concluded with enjoying Korean barbecue together, posing in the restaurant with Holker hugging her son while her two daughters embraced each other.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Body-hugging jerseys and crisp poplin pieces also infiltrated Boero’s lexicon.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
They’re made of recycled polyester and spandex, and feature a body-hugging waistband for all-day comfort.
—Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2025
Nick Romano, Entertainment Weekly, 4 Oct. 2025
She was also seen hugging the Italian fashion designer and whispering into his ear.
—Anthony Robledo, USA Today, 4 Oct. 2025
The family's day concluded with enjoying Korean barbecue together, posing in the restaurant with Holker hugging her son while her two daughters embraced each other.
—Charna Flam, PEOPLE, 30 Sep. 2025
Body-hugging jerseys and crisp poplin pieces also infiltrated Boero’s lexicon.
—Sandra Salibian, Footwear News, 29 Sep. 2025
They’re made of recycled polyester and spandex, and feature a body-hugging waistband for all-day comfort.
—Destinee Scott, Travel + Leisure, 26 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hugging
Verb
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Elizabeth Warren, who’s from Oklahoma, left me a voicemail the other day congratulating us on our 1 million YouTube subscribers.—
CT Jones,
Rolling Stone,
30 Sep. 2025
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But none of that mattered when the caps were coming off and Americans were congratulating Europeans.—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
29 Sep. 2025
Verb
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Next page, clasping hands with Schweitzer in her satin, white wedding dress with a rose bouquet.—
Eric Adler,
Kansas City Star,
9 Sep. 2025
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After arriving on the scene, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey ran toward the sanctuary and was later seen clasping his hands outside on the church steps.—
Chelsea Bailey,
CNN Money,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
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Bichette, clinging to the dugout railing, threw both his arms in the air in celebration.—
Mitch Bannon,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
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Despite the litter washing up onto the beaches nearby, the lagoon itself appeared to be clinging on and the wildlife was flourishing.—
Simon Willis,
Travel + Leisure,
5 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Securing the Shield ensures the top seed for Philly and home-field advantage throughout the MLS Cup playoffs for a team that has quietly gone about a consistent season without grabbing much in the way of attention.—
The Athletic Staff,
New York Times,
5 Oct. 2025
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Without strangers lunging at her and grabbing her forearm.—
Romina Ruiz-Goiriena,
USA Today,
4 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Similarly, Luca Stefano used a mohair fabric with a dark-mustardy finish for his LS35A sofa, embracing the earthier side of metallics.—
Rachel Gallaher,
Robb Report,
4 Oct. 2025
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These travelers are embracing extreme day trips.—
Maureen O'Hare,
CNN Money,
4 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hugging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hugging. Accessed 8 Oct. 2025.
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