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

Garlin was accused by members of the cast and crew of inappropriate verbal conduct, unwanted physical contact, including hugging and touching, and behavior that some employees described as creating an uncomfortable work environment. — Ashley Hume, FOXNews.com, 25 Sep. 2026

Last week, Baldoni took to Instagram to share a video of himself hugging Rodriguez on the first day of preproduction for House of Guerrero. — Ryan Gajewski, HollywoodReporter, 23 Sep. 2026

The controversy surrounding Russini and Vrabel — who are both married to other people — began when photos published by Page Six on April 7 showed the two holding hands, hugging and lounging poolside at an Arizona resort. — Bailey Richards, PEOPLE, 20 Sep. 2026

The figure-hugging gown featured a high neckline and delicate cap-sleeve shoulders boasting an asymmetrical cluster of feathers and organza, which mirrored her slicked-back, spiky bun. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 20 Sep. 2026

Hargitay and Brunson were spotted hugging on the court after the game. — Jessica Schladebeck, New York Daily News, 19 Sep. 2026

After capturing the title, Byrd celebrated by hugging his coaches and supporters. — Wakisha Bailey, CBS News, 16 Sep. 2026

It was designed with a scoop neckline and a figure-hugging silhouette. — Julia Teti, Footwear News, 16 Sep. 2026

Hilton's younger sister, Nicky Hilton Rothschild, was on hand in the front row, hugging Beyoncé stylist Ty Hunter upon entering the show at Lavan Midtown. — Anika Reed, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026