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
Relevance
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hugs
Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2025
As Dustin sobs, Steve hugs him, finally understanding why Dustin has been protecting himself from getting hurt again by putting up a hostile front.
—Kate Aurthur, Variety, 26 Dec. 2025
An elegant alternative is this button-down ruched maxi satin dress, which hugs all the right places without clinging to your curves.
—Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2025
Its curved silhouette hugs the body with that unmistakable Bottega nonchalance, while the signature Intrecciato feels both heritage and modern.
—Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2025
Inside, 400 grams of thermal insulation keep feet incredibly warm and the comfort collar hugs your ankle without rubbing while the insole slowly molds to feet.
—Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
Edgy and ledgy, the narrow passage hugs the cliff face above the valley floor.
—Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Kacie wins, and Patrick hugs her and gives her the ring back.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
The slip-on hybrid heel features a wider elastic strap that hugs the foot, with a heel also measuring 78mm.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
Verb
The green zone is a band of territory that hugs much of Gaza’s eastern perimeter and includes other areas seized through months of Israeli ground operations.
—Mohammed R. Mhawish, New Yorker, 29 Dec. 2025
As Dustin sobs, Steve hugs him, finally understanding why Dustin has been protecting himself from getting hurt again by putting up a hostile front.
—Kate Aurthur, Variety, 26 Dec. 2025
An elegant alternative is this button-down ruched maxi satin dress, which hugs all the right places without clinging to your curves.
—Lane Nieset, Travel + Leisure, 20 Dec. 2025
Its curved silhouette hugs the body with that unmistakable Bottega nonchalance, while the signature Intrecciato feels both heritage and modern.
—Cortne Bonilla, Vogue, 15 Dec. 2025
Inside, 400 grams of thermal insulation keep feet incredibly warm and the comfort collar hugs your ankle without rubbing while the insole slowly molds to feet.
—Brittany Talarico, PEOPLE, 5 Dec. 2025
Edgy and ledgy, the narrow passage hugs the cliff face above the valley floor.
—Roger Naylor, AZCentral.com, 8 Nov. 2025
Kacie wins, and Patrick hugs her and gives her the ring back.
—Jennifer Zhan, Vulture, 30 Oct. 2025
The slip-on hybrid heel features a wider elastic strap that hugs the foot, with a heel also measuring 78mm.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hugs
Verb
-
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
-
At the tip meeting, Sandy congratulates the interior team and, in so many gentle words, tells the deck team to do better.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
21 Oct. 2025
Verb
-
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
-
Cherry Blossoms • Monique’s picking up on the intensity with which Angel clings to her identity as an NFL wife was genuinely insightful and has the potential to be a real breakthrough moment for Angel in what has been a very fraught season for her.—
Shamira Ibrahim,
Vulture,
5 Jan. 2026
-
Furthermore, the editorial clings to an outdated vision of the Loop as solely a 9-to-5 business district.—
Chicago Tribune,
Chicago Tribune,
4 Jan. 2026
Noun
-
In Eastpointe, where two city council seats were up for grabs, one of two councilmembers lost a reelection bid to a newcomer for the four-year seat, according to unofficial results.—
Christina Hall,
Freep.com,
5 Nov. 2025
-
Some 70 timepieces are up for grabs, with many not seen in several decades.—
Rachel Cormack,
Robb Report,
5 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
The Change Agent leads with resilience, embraces uncertainty and helps teams move confidently through transformation.—
Kelly Jones,
MSNBC Newsweek,
6 Nov. 2025
-
The car embraces elegance without compromising on performance philosophy.—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
6 Nov. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hugs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hugs. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share