hunkering (down)

Definition of hunkering (down)next
present participle of hunker (down)
as in crouching
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 hunkering (down)
crouching
Verb
  • During the Civil War, popular lithographs depicted Lincoln next to the crouching Black man, and army-camp photographers posed white Union soldiers beside Black men in a similar arrangement.
    Jake Lundberg, The Atlantic, 23 Apr. 2026
  • Another photo captures the soon-to-be bride and groom crouching down on the sand with their two pet dogs.
    Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 20 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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“Hunkering (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hunkering%20%28down%29. Accessed 1 May. 2026.

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