shrug 1 of 2

Definition of shrugnext

shrug

2 of 2

verb

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 shrug
Noun
The culprit — wearing tinted hippie glasses, a white tank top and a flower-print skirt — responded with a sheepish shrug and a smile. Antonio Ferme, Variety, 14 June 2026 The implications range from there being a huge panic and crisis of confidence in society, as well as in political and religious institutions, to the largest shrug of the shoulders ever as people just get on with their everyday lives. Keith Cooper, Space.com, 9 June 2026
Verb
If Brendan didn’t have NFL arm, Bubba Bootstraps would shrug and look the other way. Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 June 2026 One of the reasons these kit-ranking articles usually work is, for the most part, there are typically enough good ones to gush over, enough middling ones to shrug about, and enough bad ones to have some slightly snidey fun in giving them a kicking. Nick Miller, New York Times, 10 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for shrug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrug
Noun
  • So, in the end, commissioner Cathy Engelbert took the floor to hand over the MVP award, was drowned out in a wave of boos, and everyone left to get on with the rest of the season.
    Brian Hamilton, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • Grassroots organizers also say the first wave of notices did not reach many residents who live on one side of the arroyo and were distributed only in English.
    Mack Baysinger Follow, Los Angeles Times, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • The city was established in 1860, and the downtown had flourished through the 1880s and 1890s.
    Sophie Lindberg, Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026
  • While casinos, state lotteries and online sports betting flourished, polls showed young people weren’t interested in horse racing.
    Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026
Verb
  • Protesters derailed a rezoning meeting on Crown Center, cutting short a hearing intended to inform residents about redevelopment plans to accommodate a new downtown Royals stadium.
    Jack Harvel, Kansas City Star, 28 July 2026
  • My editor at Vulture has informed me that this is the name of the mysterious archer who iced Criston from across that field.
    Brian Grubb, Vulture, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • The Weather Channel app has added a retro feature that presents real-time data in aesthetics that nod to the brand’s broadcast graphics from the 1980s and 1990s.
    Savannah Sicurella, AJC.com, 21 July 2026
  • Room numbers are handwritten on the doors rather than printed—an intentionally imperfect detail that nods to Berlin’s slightly rough-around-the-edges character.
    Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 21 July 2026
Verb
  • This weekend’s apparent pause in military action against Iran may hint at US moves to ease tensions in the Middle East, a former US national security adviser told CNN.
    Chris Lau, CNN Money, 26 July 2026
  • That tells you something about how technology policy gets made now.
    Sandy Carter, Forbes.com, 26 July 2026
Verb
  • Ideally, Macario can return and provide a lift as Dudinha did late season, scoring seven goals in 10 games after general manager Camille Ashton signed her in the summer.
    Tom Krasovic, San Diego Union-Tribune, 27 July 2026
  • Permanent advance voters, military and overseas voters and their spouses and dependents and those who have signed a declaration of religious objection form are exempt from needing photo ID in Kansas.
    Zuri Primos July 27, Kansas City Star, 27 July 2026
Verb
  • The company beat on the top line but missed Wall Street’s earnings forecast on the legal and severance-related charges.
    Todd Spangler, Variety, 29 July 2026
  • Not held separately, not synced on a schedule, but modeled so the system understands how records relate rather than just storing them.
    Patrick O'Connor, Forbes.com, 28 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Shrug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrug. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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