Synonyms of hugs

hugs 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of hug

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

• congratulates
• compliments
• cheers
• salutes
• applauds
• felicitates
• commends
• praises
• hails
• lauds
• extols
• glorifies

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• minimizes
• diminishes
• discounts
• decries
• belittles
• disparages
• depreciates
• deprecates
• writes off
• puts down
• taunts
• teases
• mocks
• ridicules
• bad-mouths
• cries down
• jeers

2

as in clasps

to put one's arms around and press tightly

Grandma hugged the grandchildren good-bye

Synonyms & Similar Words

• clasps
• clings
• grabs
• cradles
• embraces
• bear-hugs
• wraps
• enfolds
• snuggles
• pats
• grasps
• holds
• crushes
• enclasps
• strains
• cuddles
• clamps
• folds
• nuzzles
• grips
• encircles
• envelops
• locks
• strokes
• entwines
• fondles
• embosoms
• twines
• pets
• enwinds
• bosoms
• nestles

hugs

2 of 2

noun

plural of hug

as in embraces

Related Words

• embraces
• grabs
• clinches
• footholds
• seizures
• footings
• purchases
• anchorages
• clasps
• toeholds
• handholds
• grasps
• clenches
• grips
• leverages
• holds
• handgrips
• grapples

Dissimilar Words

• releases
• relinquishments

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of hugs

Verb

The Margin Unit region hugs the inner edge of the crater and was identified through observations from orbit. — Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 24 Sep. 2026

Quince’s Bella Stretch pants feature a classic ankle length, a soft cotton-denim blend that hugs the body, and a flattering high-rise waist. — Mariana Best, PEOPLE, 7 Sep. 2026

The track itself hugs the hillside between the park’s upper and lower lots and offers stunning views of the surrounding valley. — Eve Chen, USA Today, 25 Aug. 2026

The park hugs 118 winding miles of the Rio Grande, nearly a quarter of the international boundary patrolled by Customs and Border Protection in the much larger Big Bend Sector. — Nicole Sganga, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

The Forks National Historic Site, a nine-acre park filled with public art, hugs the river behind the market. — Maryam Siddiqi, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026

As the name suggests, they are characterized mainly by their slightly slim fit, which hugs the legs to create a cigarette-like silhouette. — Renata Joffre, Glamour, 11 Aug. 2026

The 154-mile stretch of Highway 61 from Duluth to Grand Portage hugs the rocky shoreline of Lake Superior, weaving among cliffs, boreal forest, and charming harbor towns. — Ginger Crichton, Midwest Living, 7 Aug. 2026

All of which hugs closely to the skin for a cologne that whispers rather than shouts. — Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 31 July 2026