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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
And in a place where celebrity passersby and visiting monarchs typically get the same collective shrug, a certain exuberance appeared. — ABC News, 2 July 2026 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
Verb
The problem was that voters seemed to shrug at the revelation, perhaps even then distrustful of politicians in general. — Tracy Grant, Encyclopedia Britannica, 9 July 2026 Ana mostly shrugs it off and heads home to her husband, Luis (Louis Ferreira). — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 15 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
  • Rain and strong winds had already started to pummel the coast, with waves crashing onto the normally pristine beaches.
    — MEGAN JANETSKY, Arkansas Online, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Another, much stronger hurricane, Polo, is churning in the Pacific off the coast of Mexico and has the potential to send even larger waves barreling toward the California coast as early as Monday.
    — Jack Dolan, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of wave
Verb
  • In recent years Hong Kong’s art, design, and architecture scene has flourished, sparked in part by the late 2021 opening of the M+ museum designed by Herzog & de Meuron.
    — Catherine Hong, Architectural Digest, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Wudang’s palaces and temples flourished during the Ming dynasty, when Emperor Zhu Di undertook a major building campaign to align his imperial regime with Taoism.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of flourish
Verb
  • Join more than 350,000 subscribers and keep yourself informed with a selection of The Week’s most interesting, enlightening and entertaining stories - plus daily puzzles.
    — Devika Rao, TheWeek, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The Hollingsworths are pulled closer together once they’re informed by Nia (Antoinette Crowe-Legacy), a detective with Homeland Security — hey, there’s one more square for your federal agency bingo card!
    — Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 21 Sep. 2026
Definition of inform
Verb
  • The watch, designed in partnership with Prancing Horse, also nods to supercars.
    — Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Their album titles have always been in Spanish and their signature style continuously nods to the culture.
    — Cata Balzano, Billboard, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of nod
Verb
  • When Arisa proclaims herself a Faithful, Michael looks hilariously stunned, and Alan tells them to weep for the fall of innocence and the failure of justice.
    — Alice Burton, Vulture, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Hawaii officials told residents to put together emergency kits and the governor issued an emergency proclamation, activating more than 230 Hawaii National Guard members.
    — MEGAN JANETSKY, Arkansas Online, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • Trump signed the bill into law last week but hasn't enacted the measures yet.
    — HANNA ARHIROVA, Arkansas Online, 26 Sep. 2026
  • Following the coach’s firing in July 2023, more than 260 Northwestern faculty members signed a petition calling for the stadium plans to be halted until at least athletic department’s problems could be sorted out.
    — Daniel Libit, Sportico.com, 25 Sep. 2026
Definition of sign
Verb
  • The two children and two adults are related, a DeKalb County police spokesperson told CBS News Atlanta.
    — CBS News Atlanta Digital Team, CBS News, 21 Sep. 2026
  • There was no indication from police that the incidents were related.
    — Eric Mack, FOXNews.com, 20 Sep. 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 28 Sep. 2026.

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