shrug 1 of 2

noun

Definition of shrugnext
as in wave

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shrug

2 of 2

verb

as in to flourish

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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 shrug
Noun
So when Clark two-putted on the 18th green underneath a beautiful, orange Hamptons sky, the reaction could be at best described as a tepid, ambivalent shrug of applause. — Brody Miller, New York Times, 22 June 2026 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
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
  1. wave
  2. flourish
  3. inform
  4. nod
  5. tell
  6. sign
  7. relate
Noun
  • That has left oil supplies being released in intermittent waves, rather than returning to the stable, steady flow seen in the past.
    — , CNBC, 10 Aug. 2026
  • But the future president managed to eke out a second-place finish in the state, and subsequently swept a wave of Super Tuesday victories the following month.
    — Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 9 Aug. 2026
Definition of wave
Verb
  • Normally these spots are produced by a fungus that flourishes during hot, damp and humid weather.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Aug. 2026
  • His relationship with Amad, too, is flourishing as the Ivorian grows in confidence in pre-season.
    — Cerys Jones, New York Times, 13 Aug. 2026
Definition of flourish
Verb
  • Besides its use in educational settings and by other researchers, the report also helps inform national security policy and has been cited by NATO in the past, one source said.
    — Andrew Freedman, CNN Money, 11 Aug. 2026
  • The queen is hysterical when Orwyle informs her that Sunfyre has razed the Mooton army outside Maidenpool.
    — Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of inform
Verb
  • Lavie appeared in a jailhouse-yellow shirt and blue pants and looked distressed throughout the hearing, nodding and gesturing to friends at times.
    — Richard Winton, Los Angeles Times, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Interiors were dreamed up by Studio Bonarchi, who leaned into Tinian stonework and marble, with authentic pigeonhole detailing that nods to the island’s dovecotes.
    — Monica Mendal, Vogue, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of nod
Verb
  • The study of a patient’s urine was an extremely popular practice in the Middle Ages, even though doctors could tell precious little about what was ailing someone just by looking at a sample in a jar.
    — T.M. Brown, CNN Money, 16 Aug. 2026
  • Backstage, Kenny Omega calls the Don Callis Family bullies and tells them to pick any three members to face him and The Young Bucks, who are standing beside Omega, next week.
    — Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 16 Aug. 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • After getting in touch with the company, Leverkusen tested the service through the end of last season, and this summer, the club signed a multiyear contract.
    — Justin Birnbaum, Sportico.com, 10 Aug. 2026
  • Rookie center back Heather Gilchrist made her NWSL debut for Bay, which signed her to a three-year deal in December after her collegiate career ended with a national championship win over Stanford.
    — Michael Nowels, Mercury News, 10 Aug. 2026
Definition of sign
Verb
  • Fire officials said the fire appeared to be cooking-related, and investigators are still determining what caused it.
    — Jose Fabian, CBS News, 13 Aug. 2026
  • Plenty among us, as our country commits atrocities across the globe, might relate.
    — Rachel Monroe, New Yorker, 12 Aug. 2026
Definition of relate

Browse Nearby Words

shrouds
shrug
shrugged
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Cite this Entry

“Shrug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrug. Accessed 16 Aug. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of shrug for Spanish Speakers

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