1
2
as in thug
a violent, brutal person who is often a member of an organized gang
just a bunch of mugs with no respect for anyone, not even themselves
Synonyms & Similar Words
3
as in face
the front part of the head
she joked about not having to see his ugly mug anymore
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
5
as in grimace
a twisting of the facial features in disgust or disapproval
an involuntary mug at the revolting sight
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
6
as in sucker
chiefly British
one who is easily deceived or cheated
the cardsharp was always on the lookout for a new mug
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
7
as in idiot
chiefly British
a stupid person
what kind of mug goes out in the rain without his brolly or a mackintosh?
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
1
as in to grimace
to distort one's face
every time their picture was snapped, both children mugged by sticking out their tongues or scrunching up their faces
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to photograph
to take a photograph of
mugging captured criminals for the police records
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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.
Recent Examples of mug
Kathryn O'Shea-Evans, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025
The footage then cut abruptly to a new clip that featured Barrymore and Colbert holding their respective mugs and talking about her recent 50th birthday.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025
Click here to see these and more and to purchase high-quality prints or a keepsake photos on mugs, buttons, greeting cards and more.
—Nhat V. Meyer, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025
Faithful shoppers know not to make the mistake of skipping the store’s ALDI Finds section to check out the rotation of new items every week, from clothing and toys to coffee mugs and serving pieces.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mug
Noun
Bring home a tonal Francophile fantasy with blue and white striped tea towels, bistro chairs, mosaic mugs, and classic dome or barn lights.
—Kathryn O'Shea-Evans, Better Homes & Gardens, 6 Sep. 2025
The footage then cut abruptly to a new clip that featured Barrymore and Colbert holding their respective mugs and talking about her recent 50th birthday.
—Emlyn Travis, Entertainment Weekly, 6 Sep. 2025
Click here to see these and more and to purchase high-quality prints or a keepsake photos on mugs, buttons, greeting cards and more.
—Nhat V. Meyer, Mercury News, 6 Sep. 2025
Faithful shoppers know not to make the mistake of skipping the store’s ALDI Finds section to check out the rotation of new items every week, from clothing and toys to coffee mugs and serving pieces.
—Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 5 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for mug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mug
Noun
-
The treble — a club winning their domestic league title, main domestic cup competition and the European Cup/Champions League — has happened 11 times, with Barcelona and Bayern Munich the only sides to do so more than once.—
Will Jeanes,
New York Times,
4 Sep. 2025
-
Not only is this adorable beaded coffee cup a subtle nod to your caffeine habit, but its crafted with beautiful glass beads for a totally charm-ing vibe.—
Catherine Santino,
PEOPLE,
4 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
We’re then introduced to Louie, a thug who works for a loan shark, threatening and killing people.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
3 Sep. 2025
-
Their neighbor, an older Jewish woman, gets arrested and Nazi thugs brazenly loot her apartment.—
Rabih Alameddine
September 2,
Literary Hub,
2 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Not knowing much about the condition, Mares-Sedillo worried that her face would be permanently altered.—
Meredith Wilshere,
PEOPLE,
7 Sep. 2025
-
Travis Kelce got right in Jawaan Taylor's face after his second false start of the game.—
Pete Grathoff,
Kansas City Star,
6 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
Their feces leave parasites on a person’s skin, and the parasites can go into a person’s body via the eyes, mouth, or an open wound.—
Chantelle Lee,
Time,
10 Sep. 2025
-
Instead of the old-school triangle eyes and jagged mouth designs, this year's top trends are all about mixing tradition with fresh tools and vibrant colors.—
Maria Sabella,
Better Homes & Gardens,
10 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
In an alarming sight for an already-banged-up inside linebacker room, Greenlaw pulled up with a grimace after covering J.K. Dobbins on an LB-RB one-on-one pass-coverage drill.—
Luca Evans,
Denver Post,
31 July 2025
-
In one image, Scales, who had won a Military Cross for his bravery at the front, wears a crooked grimace that suggests recent anguish.—
Ed Caesar,
New Yorker,
13 July 2025
Noun
-
Cephalopods’ soft bodies sprout arms and bloom with suckers at these same splits.—
Jake Buehler,
Quanta Magazine,
28 Aug. 2025
-
Unfortunately, Americans have proved themselves to be suckers for packaging that conveys a food’s healthiness, Bragg said.—
Yasmin Tayag,
The Atlantic,
23 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Cena has been delivering his signature sharp mic work, routinely dominating verbal exchanges while Paul has been forced to scowl while the master gets in all of his barbs and sons him at every opportunity.—
Brian Mazique,
Forbes.com,
30 Aug. 2025
-
His Teddy is a skeevy, scowling hippie incel who seems to have burnt everything out of himself but the desire for vengeance.—
Owen Gleiberman,
Variety,
28 Aug. 2025
Verb
-
Keep an eye out for Craig, who was born in 1972 and is one of the largest and most photographed elephants.—
Gaby Keiderling,
Robb Report,
4 Sep. 2025
-
All voters must present a federal or Tennessee state ID containing the voter’s name and photograph when voting at the polls, whether voting early or on Election Day, according to the Secretary of State.—
Diana Leyva,
Nashville Tennessean,
4 Sep. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Mug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mug. Accessed 12 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share