hunkered (down)

past tense of hunker (down)
as in crouched
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 hunkered (down)
Verb
  • This spring, my grandson crouched beside me to plant peas, 20 years after his father helped dig the first bed.
    The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Aug. 2025
  • Duran crouched, hands on his knees, staring at his feet, as the Phillies’ training staff rushed to his side.
    Charlotte Varnes, New York Times, 16 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • The event was broadcast live on YouTube, and groups of people sat on the grassy lawn in front of the Capitol huddled together around their phones, listening to the survivors, whose voices echoed across the wide square.
    Emily Goodin, Miami Herald, 3 Sep. 2025
  • The two seemingly began jawing at each other as players huddled up.
    Ryan Gaydos, FOXNews.com, 3 Sep. 2025
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Hunkered (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hunkered%20%28down%29. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

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