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