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 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
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
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 5 Aug. 2026.

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