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
Not yet 10 months into his second term, and the response from Republicans and members of the political press is essentially a shrug. Chris Stirewalt, The Hill, 7 Oct. 2025 For YouTube, the loss could be written off with a shoulder shrug. Tony Maglio, HollywoodReporter, 3 Oct. 2025
Verb
Even as Wall Street analysts and tech media increasingly question the hype, drawing uneasy comparisons to the late 1990s, the AI industry’s response has been to shrug and watch their valuations tick higher and higher. Allison Morrow, CNN Money, 18 Oct. 2025 Many may shrug it off, but for some, those words become a rallying cry. Larry Magid, Mercury News, 21 Sep. 2025 See All Example Sentences for shrug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for shrug
Noun
  • This wave of joy was seen online, where some claimed his victory as India’s own.
    Rhea Mogul, CNN Money, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Yet today, rising geopolitical instability and a wave of economic nationalism threaten to disrupt the free flows of energy the system relies on — all at a moment when cheaper, cleaner alternatives are available.
    John Kerry, semafor.com, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • The power vacuum left by Moïse’s death led to a dramatic expansion of already flourishing armed gangs.
    Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 7 Nov. 2025
  • Innovation has always flourished when property rights are secure.
    Gerard Scimeca, Mercury News, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • According to Philadelphia magazine, the dismissal took place via an email in which she was informed that she was being terminated for cause.
    News Desk, Artforum, 6 Nov. 2025
  • The same year, California also banned the use of simulated fire in active shooter drills and required that parents be informed that a drill is taking place.
    Alana Semuels, Time, 6 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Parker nodded to her SATC character Carrie Bradshaw in her sparkly nude ballgown.
    Meg Walters, InStyle, 7 Jan. 2026
  • The pair also has a double meaning, nodding to Michael Jordan’s own motorcycle and his former Motorsports team.
    Riley Jones, Footwear News, 7 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Police added that Lattimore was arrested for not telling the officer there was a gun inside the vehicle when asked.
    Scott Thompson, FOXNews.com, 9 Jan. 2026
  • Federal prosecutors have launched a new criminal investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James, after a grand jury previously declined to indict her twice on unrelated criminal charges, two sources familiar with the matter told CBS News.
    Sarah N. Lynch, CBS News, 9 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Head coach Andy Butler saw enough during pre-season and the opening month of the campaign proper to sign Gjoshe on non-contract terms on September 6, providing cover following injuries and suspensions for Jean Belehouan, Oliver Rose and Joe Starbuck.
    Philip Buckingham, New York Times, 8 Nov. 2025
  • Claressa Shields Secures Record-Breaking $8M Fight Deal Undisputed heavyweight champion of the world, five-division world champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist Claressa Shields has signed a historic minimum $8 million multi-fight partnership with Wynn Records and Salita Promotions.
    Sportico Staff, Sportico.com, 7 Nov. 2025
Verb
  • Dykstra, 62, was arrested Thursday on suspicion of possessing narcotics and narcotic-related equipment but was not taken into custody, trooper Kody Nowicki told The Athletic.
    Matt Moret, New York Times, 7 Jan. 2026
  • With so many insects packed together in moist and dark places — and all closely related, sharing the same genetic vulnerabilities — infections and diseases can quickly pose an enormous threat to the well-being of an ant colony.
    Arundathi Nair, NPR, 7 Jan. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Shrug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrug. Accessed 9 Jan. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on shrug

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!