hunkered (down)

Definition of hunkered (down)next
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
  • The crawl space opened, and a man entered, while another crouched just outside, wielding a knife.
    Shelly Kittleson, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026
  • In the hospital foyer, the couple paused for selfies and crouched to speak with children in wheelchairs.
    Martha Ross, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • Because the cameras were vertical, actors huddled closer together, and the crew paid extra attention to upper-body details like hair and makeup.
    Chang Che, New Yorker, 25 Apr. 2026
  • The opening act had started playing—a local band that never broke out, Sacagawea—but Russ and Cherry just huddled a little closer and kept talking.
    Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 15 Apr. 2026
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 1 May. 2026.

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