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
The train continues south to Christchurch, hugging the craggy coast.
—
Steve Madgwick, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026
His psychedelic paintings, sometimes painted in the style of Russian Orthodox icons, often depicted Putin with a bovine nose or hugging pigs.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
Video captures emotional aftermath Cellphone video circulating online shows the dog's owner crying and hugging Jameson, who was wearing a New York Knicks shirt.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Strangers hugging and high-fiving in the streets.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 15 June 2026
This top knot combines sleek, scalp-hugging braids with a structured bun to create a sculptural look worthy of its red carpet moment.
—Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 15 June 2026
Ground-hugging plants can be pruned around the outer edges.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 June 2026
Videos and pictures showed fans cheering, clapping, hugging and reveling in the unbelievable moment when the Knicks won by one point after a 29-point deficit.
—Andrew Ramos, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Nickell was later found by a dog walker with Alex, who was physically unharmed, hugging her.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Steve Madgwick, Travel + Leisure, 18 June 2026
His psychedelic paintings, sometimes painted in the style of Russian Orthodox icons, often depicted Putin with a bovine nose or hugging pigs.
—Ivana Kottasová, CNN Money, 16 June 2026
Video captures emotional aftermath Cellphone video circulating online shows the dog's owner crying and hugging Jameson, who was wearing a New York Knicks shirt.
—Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 16 June 2026
Strangers hugging and high-fiving in the streets.
—Ethan Shanfeld, Variety, 15 June 2026
This top knot combines sleek, scalp-hugging braids with a structured bun to create a sculptural look worthy of its red carpet moment.
—Omenaa Boakye, InStyle, 15 June 2026
Ground-hugging plants can be pruned around the outer edges.
—Brandee Gruener, Southern Living, 11 June 2026
Videos and pictures showed fans cheering, clapping, hugging and reveling in the unbelievable moment when the Knicks won by one point after a 29-point deficit.
—Andrew Ramos, CBS News, 11 June 2026
Nickell was later found by a dog walker with Alex, who was physically unharmed, hugging her.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hugging
Verb
-
Seated next to Harvey, Laila Edwards grew emotional while congratulating her longtime friend and teammate upon being selected.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
17 June 2026
-
The video has racked up over 115,000 likes and thousands of comments, with many congratulating the mom-to-be.—
Gina Kalsi,
PEOPLE,
15 June 2026
Verb
-
In one segment, when Kimmel and McNearney pick up a hitchhiking Olivia Rodrigo while taking the family to school, Jane shows off her personality, clasping her hands over her mouth in disbelief when Rodrigo enters the car, only to sing-along with the pop star on her way to school.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
-
McDaniels held onto Murray for dear life — often literally clasping his jersey — as the Nuggets tried to run him off every conceivable screen.—
Bennett Durando,
Denver Post,
1 May 2026
Verb
-
The Toronto Blue Jays are clinging on in the American League playoff race, though that’s mostly thanks to a particularly weak field this year.—
Peter Chawaga,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
-
Here was a girl clinging for dear life to one perfect moment for fear that another may never arrive.—
Walden Green,
Pitchfork,
12 June 2026
Verb
-
Farage, Reform’s attention-grabbing but divisive leader, was a curiously low-key presence.—
Helen Lewis,
The Atlantic,
19 June 2026
-
With that in mind, if the Pacers want to acquire a draft pick, following their past and grabbing one in the 30s makes good sense.—
Tony East,
Forbes.com,
18 June 2026
Verb
-
While blue sapphires and orange garnets both work as standalone alternatives for anyone who wants the reference without the logo, another great option is this bee cuban link necklace from SammiBee Jewelry that perfectly capture the bold, elevated style Knicks fans are embracing right now.—
Pooja Mistry,
Forbes.com,
13 June 2026
-
But Woods isn’t the only fan embracing a little playoff magic.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hugging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hugging. Accessed 20 Jun. 2026.
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