mug 1 of 2

Definition of mugnext
1
as in cup
a round vessel equipped with a handle and designed for drinking a coffee mug

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2
3
as in face
the front part of the head she joked about not having to see his ugly mug anymore

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4
as in mouth
the opening through which food passes into the body of an animal keep your mug shut and listen up

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5
as in scowl
a twisting of the facial features in disgust or disapproval an involuntary mug at the revolting sight

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mug

2 of 2

verb

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

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2
as in to photograph
to take a photograph of mugging captured criminals for the police records

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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
Noun
Looking for an easy, elegant dessert that’s more than a microwavable mug cake? Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026 The walls of the restaurant will be covered with Crafty’s police mug shots, wanted posters and blueprints for his wacky fryer inventions. Brady MacDonald, Oc Register, 27 Jan. 2026 And, for many of us, that's the cabinet that houses our reusable water bottles and mugs. Melissa Epifano, The Spruce, 26 Jan. 2026 Each year, the mug is a different color. Myrna Petlicki, Chicago Tribune, 26 Jan. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mug
Noun
  • Vestar’s founders were bankers at First Boston who left to specialize in buying and selling companies like red plastic cup king Solo and Big Heart Pet Brands, known for Milk-Bones.
    Hank Tucker, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026
  • Increase salted butter to ¼ cup and onion to 2 cups.
    Jenavieve Christensen, Better Homes & Gardens, 29 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • Minnesotans, not the armed thugs of ICE and the Border Patrol, are brave.
    Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 27 Jan. 2026
  • Actively inserting yourself into and attempting to stymie federal law enforcement or barging into a church, as some of these thugs did in Minneapolis, is hindering law enforcement and trespassing, respectively.
    Voice of the People, New York Daily News, 22 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • The results will show young women who look an awful lot like circus clowns, with faces hidden under layers of masks, gels, serums, and even face tape.
    Jana Pollack, Parents, 31 Jan. 2026
  • The suspects appeared to be wearing dark-colored clothing, with black hooded sweatshirts and black face coverings.
    Emily Holshouser, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 31 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • This recipe has more ingredients than that, but like any good casserole recipe, it’s made mostly of affordable pantry staples and can feed a lot of mouths without racking up the grocery bill.
    Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 1 Feb. 2026
  • The Sharks are continuing a five-game road trip with a bad taste in their mouth after back-to-back losses to end a three-game Canadian road swing.
    Christian Babcock, Mercury News, 1 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • His fierce disposition in competition — the scowl, the pumping of fists and the guttural yells after big plays — came in stark contrast to his off-court good nature and broad grins.
    Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 23 Jan. 2026
  • She's got a scowl on her face as Marfisee and her students approach.
    Vanessa Romo, NPR, 14 Jan. 2026
Noun
  • For a coach who thinks running the ball is for squares and suckers, that’s not exactly adapting one’s philosophy to fit your personnel.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 27 Jan. 2026
  • The multi-hyphenate is a sucker for chunky frames, and the Center Stage style from Peepers fits the bill.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 25 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • The knee buckled upon his landing and Butler screamed, grimaced and grabbed at his knee while down for a couple of minutes.
    CBS News, CBS News, 20 Jan. 2026
  • Nix grimaced and walked off the field.
    Parker Gabriel, Denver Post, 18 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Astrophotographers may also want to read our guide to photographing the moon, along with our picks of the best lenses for immortalizing the post-sunset realm.
    Anthony Wood, Space.com, 27 Jan. 2026
  • And Trump has even taken the opportunity to be photographed with pardon documents and recipients in the Oval Office.
    Bernadette Meyler, Harpers Magazine, 27 Jan. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mug. Accessed 3 Feb. 2026.

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