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
Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
The oldest neighborhood in Miami, Coconut Grove is a sedate enclave that hugs Biscayne Bay about a dozen miles from South Beach—but up to an hour by car during peak traffic—with the iconic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens as its cultural and architectural center.
—Mark David, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025
The seaside 16th hugs the cliffs in spectacular fashion, daring you to take aim with a mid-iron.
—Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
In footage of the moment, Milo displays a sweet smile, then the little boy hugs his goat — named Teddy Bear — tightly before planting multiple kisses on the animal.
—Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
The narrow train hugs the mountains and valleys for an impressive view of the countryside.
—Alesandra Dubin, AFAR Media, 25 Aug. 2025
Hosting an event of any kind at Oracle Park is a flex — the baseball stadium hugs the San Francisco waterfront, offering views of the Bay Bridge and Oakland — but Bay FC still had work to do.
—Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2025
As the name suggests, they are characterized mainly by their slightly slim fit, which hugs the legs, creating a cigarette-like silhouette.
—Renata Joffre, Glamour, 23 Aug. 2025
Plants mimic moss, producing dense mats of fine, deep green foliage that hugs the ground.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025
Noun
Head coach Brian Daboll of the New York Giants hugs Malik Nabers #1 after the game against the New Orleans Saints at MetLife Stadium on December 08, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
—Michael Gallagher, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025
The oldest neighborhood in Miami, Coconut Grove is a sedate enclave that hugs Biscayne Bay about a dozen miles from South Beach—but up to an hour by car during peak traffic—with the iconic Vizcaya Museum and Gardens as its cultural and architectural center.
—Mark David, Robb Report, 4 Sep. 2025
The seaside 16th hugs the cliffs in spectacular fashion, daring you to take aim with a mid-iron.
—Jeff Goudy, Forbes.com, 28 Aug. 2025
In footage of the moment, Milo displays a sweet smile, then the little boy hugs his goat — named Teddy Bear — tightly before planting multiple kisses on the animal.
—Gabrielle Rockson, People.com, 26 Aug. 2025
The narrow train hugs the mountains and valleys for an impressive view of the countryside.
—Alesandra Dubin, AFAR Media, 25 Aug. 2025
Hosting an event of any kind at Oracle Park is a flex — the baseball stadium hugs the San Francisco waterfront, offering views of the Bay Bridge and Oakland — but Bay FC still had work to do.
—Tamerra Griffin, New York Times, 24 Aug. 2025
As the name suggests, they are characterized mainly by their slightly slim fit, which hugs the legs, creating a cigarette-like silhouette.
—Renata Joffre, Glamour, 23 Aug. 2025
Plants mimic moss, producing dense mats of fine, deep green foliage that hugs the ground.
—Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 19 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hugs
Verb
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Having raised his daughter Lilly (Lilly Lindner) within its walls, with the staff functioning as an extended family, Lucius clings to the institution with a faith that borders on delusion.—
Leila Latif,
IndieWire,
31 Aug. 2025
-
Motovun, Croatia Anchored to the spine of Istria’s northern hills, Motovun clings to its summit like a medieval crown.—
Lewis Nunn,
Forbes.com,
24 Aug. 2025
Noun
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The world title is up for grabs at the 2025 World Track and Field Championships in Tokyo.—
Nicole Fallert,
USA Today,
12 Sep. 2025
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Especially in the modern game, a season without injuries feels like a pipe dream, but injuries tend to hit differently when the postseason is only a few weeks away and playoff spots are up for grabs.—
Chad Jennings,
New York Times,
11 Sep. 2025
Verb
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And up in orbit, the Enterprise also embraces the fantasy vibe, deploying a Vulcan mind-meld to get Spock and Kirk piloting the Enterprise and Farragut, respectively, in telepathic unison.—
Richard Edwards,
Space.com,
11 Sep. 2025
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The entire performance is a shining spotlight on the record, which toys with the malleability of their sound and embraces unconventional approaches to an already robust sound.—
Larisha Paul,
Rolling Stone,
10 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hugs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hugs. Accessed 15 Sep. 2025.
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