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

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

Heading back down from Northport, the route hugs the shoreline of Grand Traverse Bay. — Stacy Conde, Midwest Living, 9 July 2026

Everyone needs to find someone who hugs them like Messi hugs people — teammates, coaches, opposing players, young fans. — Culture Critic, Los Angeles Times, 8 July 2026

The Adayar Eco Park, a green lung that hugs an estuary, is nearby and worth a visit for its diverse flora and fauna. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 5 July 2026

Alex Rodriguez hugs a lady friend at Michael Rubin's All-White Party on July 1 in Bridgehampton, New York. — Brendan Le Updated, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026

The soft suede material gently hugs your foot, and the contoured cork-latex footbed gradually molds to its shape over time. — Caroline Hughes, Travel + Leisure, 3 July 2026