1
as in congratulates
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 clasps
to put one's arms around and press tightly
Grandma hugged the grandchildren good-bye
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hugs
Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
Slim planter beds along fences operate on the same principle, replacing bulky garden beds with streamlined growing space that hugs the perimeter and keeps the center of the garden open and breathable.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
Its sibling park—Colton Point State Park—hugs the western rim of the canyon.
—Anthony Fredericks, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2026
The Lake County portion hugs the shoreline south to Lake Cook Road and continues west to the eastern part of Buffalo Grove.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
President Barack Obama hugs Shigeaki Mori at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial park cenotaph in Hiroshima on May 27, 2016.
—CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
Dressing a bump can be tricky, but Mosaku shines in the Louis Vuitton sequin gown that hugs her curves.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026
This is a scent that doesn’t announce your presence upon entry, but instead hugs you intimately, close to the skin.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
The fabric is a poly-spandex stretch blend, which hugs the body just enough to prevent excess drag while still remaining comfortable.
—Joe Jackson, Outside, 16 Mar. 2026
Verb
Not only does the material ensure comfort and support, but the unique design, with thick straps that curve to the exact shape of my arches and a cupped heel, creates a glove-like fit that hugs my feet.
—Rachel Trujillo, PEOPLE, 25 Apr. 2026
Slim planter beds along fences operate on the same principle, replacing bulky garden beds with streamlined growing space that hugs the perimeter and keeps the center of the garden open and breathable.
—Lauren Jarvis-Gibson, Kansas City Star, 22 Apr. 2026
Its sibling park—Colton Point State Park—hugs the western rim of the canyon.
—Anthony Fredericks, Travel + Leisure, 12 Apr. 2026
The Lake County portion hugs the shoreline south to Lake Cook Road and continues west to the eastern part of Buffalo Grove.
—Steve Sadin, Chicago Tribune, 18 Mar. 2026
President Barack Obama hugs Shigeaki Mori at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial park cenotaph in Hiroshima on May 27, 2016.
—CBS News, 17 Mar. 2026
Dressing a bump can be tricky, but Mosaku shines in the Louis Vuitton sequin gown that hugs her curves.
—Erin Jensen, USA Today, 16 Mar. 2026
This is a scent that doesn’t announce your presence upon entry, but instead hugs you intimately, close to the skin.
—Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 16 Mar. 2026
The fabric is a poly-spandex stretch blend, which hugs the body just enough to prevent excess drag while still remaining comfortable.
—Joe Jackson, Outside, 16 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hugs
Verb
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Lala brings Janet over, Janet congratulates Nia on the baby, and tells her that if there’s anything she’d like to say or get off her chest, Janet will listen.—
Brian Moylan,
Vulture,
9 Apr. 2026
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Tiafoe has been one of Baptiste’s biggest fans and congratulates her often on social media.—
Michelle Kaufman,
Miami Herald,
25 Mar. 2026
Verb
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Lindo laughs, clasps his hands together and raises them.—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
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Keeping that hardshell closed is a pair of wide, beefy aluminum latches with a lower swing arm that clasps to a closure bar via a pair of hooks.—
New Atlas,
New Atlas,
13 Dec. 2025
Verb
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On immediate application, the product comfortably clings to lips without feeling sticky or heavy.—
Kiana Murden,
Vogue,
21 Apr. 2026
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The sharp, pungent scent of chile peppers clings to the air.—
Kamala Thiagarajan,
NPR,
19 Apr. 2026
Noun
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At the same time, the four Democrats were looking for their breakout moment with the race’s frontrunner status still up for grabs.—
Grace Hase,
Mercury News,
23 Apr. 2026
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Interestingly, Governors Weld, Romney and Baker were elected when the incumbent governor, with all the power of the office, did not see re-election and the office was up for grabs.—
Peter Lucas,
Boston Herald,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Known as Hawaiʻi’s Garden Island, Kauaʻi embraces a multitude of landscapes, from the deeply creased and forested canyons of the North Shore to the sunny beaches and tropical botanical treasures of the south.—
Robb Report Studio,
Robb Report,
23 Apr. 2026
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Inspired by the luxury furniture of the 1970s, the Howell x Harrier collection embraces rich caramel shades, copper and silver accents, and luxe materials.—
Sophia Beams,
Better Homes & Gardens,
23 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hugs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hugs. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
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