hunch 1 of 2

verb

ˈhənch How to pronounce hunch (audio)
Definition of hunchnext
as in to crouch
to lie low with the limbs close to the body he hunched next to a bush to avoid being seen

Synonyms & Similar Words

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hunch

2 of 2

noun

1
as in theory

Related Words
2
as in hump

Related Words
3
as in idea

Related Words

Dissimilar Words

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hunch
Verb
On June 24, 1889, Butch Cassidy hunched over a shot of whiskey in the bar of the Telluride pool hall—and started watching the San Miguel Valley Bank right across the street very, very closely. — Catherine Dunwoody, Forbes.com, 17 July 2026 Kids hunched close to the stage, enraptured, while adults checked their phones on the sidelines. — John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 13 July 2026
Noun
They may be based on a hunch, on data, on many hours of in-depth viewing and scouting, on some spurious AI nonsense, on something a guy in the pub told us. — Nick Miller, New York Times, 7 June 2026 My hunch is that no such evidence exists, or charges would have been brought long ago. — Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 24 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for hunch
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hunch
  1. crouch
  2. theory
  3. hump
  4. idea
  5. huddle
  6. guess
  7. growth
  8. notion
Verb
  • The child folds over and crouches on the ground while the performance continues for several seconds.
    — Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 29 July 2026
  • Behind him, fans spotted Charlotte, wearing a striped top and crouching down in the sand.
    — Rachel Burchfield, InStyle, 23 July 2026
Definition of crouch
Noun
  • What began as a weeklong music camp eventually turned into year-round educational programming, where students learn songwriting, music theory, recording and live performance before showcasing their work on the festival stage.
    — Kansas City Star, Kansas City Star, 31 July 2026
  • The branzino – buttery, substantial and just the right amount of briny – is the most tangible, tasty expression of the theory.
    — Connie Ogle July 31, Miami Herald, 31 July 2026
Definition of theory
Noun
  • The Chargers have retooled in an effort to get over the playoff hump.
    — Daniel Popper, New York Times, 22 July 2026
  • The animal had a hump over his shoulders where the gray color showed the lightest, and its nose and snout were long and tapering.
    — Frank C. Hibben, Outdoor Life, 15 July 2026
Definition of hump
Noun
  • Instead, the company launched several rapid-response ideas tied to conversations that emerged during the tournament.
    — Jeff Fromm, Forbes.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • One comparable piece sold for over $60,000 at Phillips in 2024, to give you an idea of price.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of idea
Verb
  • The seats were filled with families and friends all huddled underneath the shade of umbrellas to enjoy an afternoon ice cream.
    — Hali Smith August 1, Idaho Statesman, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Hoge rushed with Haber to huddle with a few others in a nearby conference room.
    — Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of huddle
Noun
  • Sure enough, the green N meant my fourth guess had to be PENAL.
    — Erik Kain, Forbes.com, 2 Aug. 2026
  • There are too many teams that could use a backup quarterback, and my guess is Dalton will have trade value next month.
    — Brooks Kubena, New York Times, 31 July 2026
Definition of guess
Noun
  • Plants and animals keenly sense the diminishing light, which acts as a master biological clock that triggers changes such as migration, shifting hormone levels and winter coat growth.
    — Charles Seabrook, AJC.com, 1 Aug. 2026
  • Let yourself be led with heart by doing things that are healthy, mature, and growth-oriented and let go of thinking that being ready is a feeling.
    — Meghan Rose, Glamour, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of growth
Noun
  • Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei had again poured cold water on the notion of direct negotiations with the United States.
    — Mike Sheen, CNBC, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Laughter, from the older women, at the notion that this is outdated.
    — Cynthia Zarin, Harpers Magazine, 4 Aug. 2026
Definition of notion

Browse Nearby Words

humuses
hunch
hunched
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Cite this Entry

“Hunch.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hunch. Accessed 5 Aug. 2026.

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