Synonyms of hugging

hugging

verb

present participle of hug

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

• congratulating
• complimenting
• cheering
• saluting
• applauding
• felicitating
• praising
• commending
• hailing
• extolling
• lauding
• glorifying

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• minimizing
• diminishing
• discounting
• decrying
• disparaging
• belittling
• depreciating
• deprecating
• writing off
• putting down
• teasing
• taunting
• mocking
• ridiculing
• jeering
• bad-mouthing
• crying down

2

as in clasping

to put one's arms around and press tightly

Grandma hugged the grandchildren good-bye

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clasping
• clinging
• cradling
• grabbing
• embracing
• holding
• wrapping
• grasping
• enfolding
• bear-hugging
• crushing
• snuggling
• patting
• straining
• enclasping
• clamping
• encircling
• stroking
• gripping
• folding
• cuddling
• enveloping
• locking
• nuzzling
• petting
• fondling
• twining
• entwining
• nestling
• bosoming
• embosoming
• enwinding

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hugging

Anti-Skinny Jeans While skinny jeans remain a quintessential wardrobe staple for many millennials, celebrities are swapping body-hugging denim for more relaxed silhouettes. — Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 23 July 2026

Other slides saw the singer hugging a friend, putting her hands in a circle with Jovi and his band, two people in a pool, and her friend carrying another friend in his arms. — Christina Perrier, InStyle, 23 July 2026

For boutique hopping The timeless stripes, billowy sleeves, and figure-hugging peplum hem of the Tankaneo Striped Peplum Top feel straight out of Nantucket, creating a silhouette that feels both playful and polished. — Julia Morlino, Travel + Leisure, 21 July 2026

The ships were directed to take a route along the southern side of the Strait of Hormuz, hugging Oman's coastline, rather than a route along Iran's coastline on the northern side of the strait. — Jackie Northam, NPR, 17 July 2026

There are no balloons, no streamers, no excited fans hugging each other. — Hanna Rosin, The Atlantic, 16 July 2026

The footage shows the four royals intently following the final moments of the match and then bursting into a jubilant round of applause at the final whistle, hugging one another to celebrate the achievement of the team. — Stefania Conrieri, Vanity Fair, 15 July 2026

Holland also crashed Bernthal’s red carpet interview with Extra, hugging the Walking Dead alum from behind. — Wesley Stenzel, Entertainment Weekly, 15 July 2026

Most people are just standing quietly, holding hands or hugging, and paying their respects to the life lost. — Caroll Alvarado, CNN Money, 13 July 2026