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
Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
All of these popular spots sit right off Route 1, the coastal alternative road that winds through the state and hugs the Atlantic from the southern border with New Hampshire all the way north to the Canadian border.
—Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026
Made from a soft and stretchy cotton blend, the pair hugs in all the right places and works wonders in the butt-lifting department.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 30 May 2026
It’s made with a stretchy outer fabric and an inner layer of mesh along the waist and tummy, which smoothes your midsection and hugs your waist.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
The two-term Democrat is running in the new 25th Congressional District, which hugs the coast from Delray Beach in the north, through Broward, and ends in Miami Beach.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2026
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hugs Arsenal mascot Gunnersaurus after the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium London on Monday.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 May 2026
Bakambu reaches him, lifts the younger man’s chin, and hugs him.
—Franklin Leonard, Vanity Fair, 14 May 2026
The slim fit style hugs your body comfortably and lays flat under clothing for all-day freshness under tops, sweaters, blazers, button-downs and more.
—ABC News, 11 May 2026
Verb
The sundeck hugs a 100-foot-long swimming pool, and there’s an indoor option in the spa for the cooler months.
—Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 4 June 2026
All of these popular spots sit right off Route 1, the coastal alternative road that winds through the state and hugs the Atlantic from the southern border with New Hampshire all the way north to the Canadian border.
—Jacqueline Dole, Travel + Leisure, 31 May 2026
Made from a soft and stretchy cotton blend, the pair hugs in all the right places and works wonders in the butt-lifting department.
—Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 30 May 2026
It’s made with a stretchy outer fabric and an inner layer of mesh along the waist and tummy, which smoothes your midsection and hugs your waist.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 29 May 2026
The two-term Democrat is running in the new 25th Congressional District, which hugs the coast from Delray Beach in the north, through Broward, and ends in Miami Beach.
—Anthony Man, Sun Sentinel, 28 May 2026
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hugs Arsenal mascot Gunnersaurus after the Premier League match at the Emirates Stadium London on Monday.
—Andrew Greif, NBC news, 19 May 2026
Bakambu reaches him, lifts the younger man’s chin, and hugs him.
—Franklin Leonard, Vanity Fair, 14 May 2026
The slim fit style hugs your body comfortably and lays flat under clothing for all-day freshness under tops, sweaters, blazers, button-downs and more.
—ABC News, 11 May 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hugs
Verb
-
Trump congratulates the Swanson family.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
26 May 2026
-
Don congratulates the rest of the team and continues to work, while Kate, Bailey and Erin celebrate with drinks together.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
12 May 2026
Verb
-
King clasps his head, ready to shield his eyes if need be.—
Sean Gregory,
Time,
26 May 2026
-
Abner clasps Questelle’s face in her hands.—
Kansas City Star,
Kansas City Star,
22 May 2026
Verb
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The species also clings to a handful of shrinking water sources along its namesake river in northern Mexico.—
Moná Thomas,
PEOPLE,
1 June 2026
-
One clings desperately to her dreams, while the other sees an opportunity to climb the ranks within the system.—
Kevin Giraud,
Variety,
19 May 2026
Noun
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Some offices, such as lieutenant governor, treasurer and insurance commissioner, are up for grabs and will see a fresh face take office after the November runoff elections.—
James Ward,
USA Today,
4 June 2026
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For the first time in history, every seat is up for grabs.—
The Editorial Board,
Chicago Tribune,
4 June 2026
Verb
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Interest in the author’s life can curdle into obsession, as in Henry James’s The Aspern Papers, in which the narrator embraces any deception necessary to acquire the letters of a dead poet.—
Walt Hunter,
The Atlantic,
4 June 2026
-
Galitzine embraces the indignity.—
Amy Nicholson,
Los Angeles Times,
3 June 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hugs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hugs. Accessed 8 Jun. 2026.
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