hunkering (down)

verb

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
  • Ordinarily, Sinner attacks with explosive energy, crouching on his long legs before springing upward, his feet leaving the ground after each shot.
    — Eric Klinenberg, New Yorker, 17 Aug. 2026
  • At one point, the video shows a bystander and two young children crouching behind a tree on the sidewalk on 41st Avenue as Castillo walked toward them just before an officer holding a stun gun blocked his path.
    — Carlos E. Castañeda, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of crouching
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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hunkered (down)
hunkering (down)
hunkers
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Cite this Entry

“Hunkering (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hunkering%20%28down%29. Accessed 23 Aug. 2026.

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