hunker (down)

verb

ˈhəŋ-kər How to pronounce hunker (down) (audio)
Definition of hunker (down)next
as in to crouch
to lie low with the limbs close to the body had to hunker down so no one would see him behind the gate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hunker (down)
  1. crouch
  2. huddle
Verb
  • The beaming toddler could be seen crouching over a large pumpkin outside while wearing a navy blue rain jacket, blue jeans that were cuffed at the bottom, and a pair of orange boots.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 3 Nov. 2026
  • Video shows that intrepid fan crouched behind the defensive line and then batted down the pass from Davidson.
    — Pete Grathoff, Kansas City Star, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of crouch
Verb
  • Najera, Iverson and Martin were on the floor together, and Iverson huddled them to plead for intensity.
    — Bennett Durando, Denver Post, 7 Nov. 2026
  • And soon Simmons found himself behind the bench, with a mass of Bears fans huddled near midfield in seats that the Seahawks faithful had vacated.
    — Brad Biggs, Chicago Tribune, 3 Nov. 2026
Definition of huddle
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.

Browse Nearby Words

hunk
hunker (down)
hunkered (down)
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Cite this Entry

“Hunker (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hunker%20%28down%29. Accessed 13 Nov. 2026.

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