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

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

Baker smiled widely, nodded his head, greeted Ortiz in Spanish, chuckled and walked over to Ortiz and Vladimir Guerrero, giving each of them hugs and pats on the back. — Jose De Jesus Ortiz, Los Angeles Times, 28 July 2026

Soft, stretchy temp-smart migraine cap features all-over gel padding that hugs your head to block out light and gently ease tension. — ABC News, 25 July 2026

Punta Bruja Nature Reserve hugs the resort, while the front of it faces the Pacific Ocean. — Gina Kramer, USA Today, 25 July 2026

In another photo, Teigen hugs Esti while sitting on a carousel together. — Escher Walcott, PEOPLE, 20 July 2026

Meanwhile in the Strait of Hormuz, a tanker has reported being hit by a missile while transiting the southern route of the waterway which hugs Oman’s coastline, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) center said. — Helen Regan, CNN Money, 14 July 2026

The attacks took place when the tankers — Mombasa and Al Bahiyah — were sailing through the strait's southern shipping lane, which hugs the coast of Oman, the defense ministry said. — Tucker Reals, CBS News, 13 July 2026

The boat ramp is the business address of Graham Platner’s oyster company, only a few minutes’ walk from his home in this town of 1,200 people that hugs the Maine coast. — Joanna Slater, Washington Post, 9 July 2026