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

Some spots could see major flooding depending on exactly how close the storm hugs the coast. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026

With a silhouette that hugs your thighs before lightly flaring at the ankles, this pants fit offers warmth, modesty, and elegance. — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 8 Oct. 2026

Driving the road north of San Francisco that hugs the coast to Point Reyes. — Kara Swisher, Vanity Fair, 6 Oct. 2026

An interior row of round sapphires hugs the neck, while tsavorites, tourmalines, and light-blue sapphires recreate the frothing and churning of the falls. — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026

Here, the card's frame hugs the curve of the two fans, and the back panel and its cutouts allow for a blow-through design. — Michael Justin Allen Sexton, PC Magazine, 3 Oct. 2026

Purdue Northwest student Jaelysa Bracey hugs her grandmother, Carrolle Bracey, after being sworn in as an intern with the Lake County Prosecutor's Office High Tech Crime Unit on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026

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