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
Body of knowledge On average, researchers say people remember approximately 5,000 faces, though some can recognize up to 10,000 mugs from memory and others just 1,000 or so. Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 10 Mar. 2026 There are also coffee mugs, pillows and candles. Mike Snider, USA Today, 10 Mar. 2026 Go for steaming mugs of coffee and omelets with crisp hashbrowns at breakfast, or bite into a juicy burger, Reuben sandwich, tuna melt or turkey club at lunch. Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 6 Mar. 2026 Shopping editor Audrey Lee was drawn to the avant-garde shape of these angular mugs. Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 6 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for mug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for mug
Noun
  • The Will County Health Department is collecting menstrual hygiene products, including menstrual pads, tampons, pantyliners, period underwear and menstrual cups in all sizes, through the end of the month at several area locations.
    Michelle Mullins, Chicago Tribune, 12 Mar. 2026
  • The bralette-style cups on this dual-strap tankini top are an excellent fit for smaller chests, and the criss-crossing back is a fun touch.
    Annie Blackman, InStyle, 12 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • The Democrats, though, have no problems releasing all these bloodthirsty thugs back into the neighborhood.
    Howie Carr, Boston Herald, 4 Mar. 2026
  • In a season 3 teaser, Peter saves Suraj Sharma's Jay Batra from some thugs at a soccer stadium.
    Randall Colburn, Entertainment Weekly, 19 Feb. 2026
Noun
  • Nearly everything Noma does is news; the restaurant’s influence—and that of its head chef, co-owner, and public face, René Redzepi—sends ripples through the culinary world like a rogue moon.
    Helen Rosner, New Yorker, 15 Mar. 2026
  • And eventually ate enough clock late, in the face of a furious Northfield press, to put the Nighthawks away.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 15 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • These silicone bottles are BPA-free and easy to clean with a wide mouth opening.
    Kristin Braswell, Travel + Leisure, 8 Mar. 2026
  • So much for my unsmiling open mouth in my 2026 passport photo.
    Paul Keane, Hartford Courant, 8 Mar. 2026
Noun
  • Despite having her arms almost permanently crossed and a scowl on her face, Ivy eventually starts to warm up, especially to her cheerful, horny-as-a-chihuahua cabin-mate Ella (Ruby Stokes, recently seen in Bridgerton and The Burning Girls).
    Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 13 Feb. 2026
  • 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
Noun
  • Despite all of my research—my monastic study of the lines, my careful hunt for small edges, my righteous avoidance of the high-risk suckers’ bets that the apps were constantly pushing on me—I had been burned by a bad call from a random referee.
    McKay Coppins, The Atlantic, 12 Mar. 2026
  • Eliminate any suckers, which are shoots growing from the base of the tree.
    SJ McShane, Martha Stewart, 12 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Ref Bankes initially ignored the wide-eyed protests of several Chelsea players to flash only his yellow card as Garnacho writhed, grimacing on the floor and clutching his left leg.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 7 Mar. 2026
  • Edgecombe was fouled by San Antonio's Carter Bryant on a 3-point attempt on Tuesday night and grimaced as he was helped up by his teammates.
    CBS News, CBS News, 4 Mar. 2026
Verb
  • Once inside, the Euphoria star was photographed with a slim gold band on her wedding finger.
    Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 11 Mar. 2026
  • At your trial, you were constantly photographed with books under your arm.
    Maer Roshan, HollywoodReporter, 10 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Mug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/mug. Accessed 15 Mar. 2026.

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