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
Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Eagle-eyed fans recognized the image—in which Harry hugs his late mom—from his 2023 memoir, Spare.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026
Rami Essam Abu Jamea hugs his deceased daughter, one of two who were killed in an Israeli strike.
—Ammar Cheikh Omar, NBC news, 4 Feb. 2026
They’re made with the brand’s signature four-way stretch fabric that hugs your body with a comfortable yet snug fit.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
If the system hugs the coast, a nor'easter will bring snow to coastal areas of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
—Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 28 Jan. 2026
With a polyester and elastane material blend, the dress has a smooth, jersey-like material that gently hugs the shape of your body in the right spots.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
The image accompanying the post shows Blessd’s tattooed back as his partner hugs him tightly, holding an ultrasound image and baby shoes in her hands.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 24 Jan. 2026
In the opposite direction, there's an eight-mile walking and running track that hugs the coastline and is perfect for sunset strolls.
—Selina Denman, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Jan. 2026
Verb
The design hugs the ankle before relaxing into a gentle slouch through the leg.
—Kelsey Stewart, Footwear News, 13 Feb. 2026
Eagle-eyed fans recognized the image—in which Harry hugs his late mom—from his 2023 memoir, Spare.
—Hannah Malach, InStyle, 6 Feb. 2026
Rami Essam Abu Jamea hugs his deceased daughter, one of two who were killed in an Israeli strike.
—Ammar Cheikh Omar, NBC news, 4 Feb. 2026
They’re made with the brand’s signature four-way stretch fabric that hugs your body with a comfortable yet snug fit.
—Sian Babish, PEOPLE, 29 Jan. 2026
If the system hugs the coast, a nor'easter will bring snow to coastal areas of the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast.
—Kenton Gewecke, ABC News, 28 Jan. 2026
With a polyester and elastane material blend, the dress has a smooth, jersey-like material that gently hugs the shape of your body in the right spots.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
The image accompanying the post shows Blessd’s tattooed back as his partner hugs him tightly, holding an ultrasound image and baby shoes in her hands.
—Isabela Raygoza, Billboard, 24 Jan. 2026
In the opposite direction, there's an eight-mile walking and running track that hugs the coastline and is perfect for sunset strolls.
—Selina Denman, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hugs
Verb
-
The rep excuses herself; in the hallway, Stephen congratulates Lucy.—
JP Mangalindan,
Time,
17 Feb. 2026
-
On the communication system that reaches everyone, Krispel congratulates cast and crew on a good show, reminds them that curtain is at 7 tomorrow, asks them to drive safely.—
Teri Sforza,
Oc Register,
4 Dec. 2025
Verb
-
Lindo laughs, clasps his hands together and raises them.—
Glenn Whipp,
Los Angeles Times,
11 Feb. 2026
-
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
-
Some American viewers were pulled into it by a boring—and slightly embarrassing—poster of Harrison Ford, smirking in a suit, while a loyal Melanie Griffith clings to his shoulder and Sigourney Weaver, as befits her role of nemesis, gives a wicked smile.—
Anthony Lane,
New Yorker,
16 Feb. 2026
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What’s more, cooking the pasta directly with the other ingredients makes the most of the beneficial starch, forming a silky, delicious sauce that clings beautifully to each noodle.—
Martha Stewart,
Martha Stewart,
11 Feb. 2026
Noun
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Grabs, Part 2 Freeskiing has its own glossary of these grabs, including Japan (behind and across to grab opposite ski) and seat belt (imagine putting a seatbelt on, but by bringing the buckle up to grab the latch).—
Joseph Wilson,
Chicago Tribune,
5 Feb. 2026
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Republicans hold only a four-vote majority in the House, with political analysts projecting about 20 swing seats up for grabs.—
Dave Goldiner,
New York Daily News,
5 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
But as Wall Street embraces tokenization, or issues different digital assets on blockchains, Bogart believes TRM will be able to weather any impending downturn.—
Leo Schwartz,
Fortune,
4 Feb. 2026
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The album, released just over a year ago, embraces rhythms native to Puerto Rico, like plena and salsa, and centers the island’s colonial history.—
Itzel Luna,
Los Angeles Times,
4 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hugs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hugs. Accessed 20 Feb. 2026.
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