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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
  • The magnetic waves then interact with excitons inside the semiconductor.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Mobilization speculation Some external observers have said Russian authorities appear to have been preparing the ground for a fresh wave of military mobilization after the State Duma election, a prospect that is deeply unpopular within Russia.
    — Sam Meredith,Anniek Bao, CNBC, 17 Sep. 2026
Definition of wave
Verb
  • September is still too hot for this flower that flourishes during cooler weather.
    — Tom MacCubbin, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 Sep. 2026
  • The state also has a Mediterranean climate where invasive grasses, originally imported by European colonizers and their farm animals, flourish madly after winter rains and then die back during rainless summers.
    — Ingfei Chen, New Yorker, 18 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
  • These nods to the past prove that a great design will always stand the test of time.
    — Christian Allaire, Vogue, 20 Sep. 2026
  • The style features a laced upper and branding nods to both the athletic brand and the Prada subsidiary.
    — Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 19 Sep. 2026
Definition of nod
Verb
  • Those sessions, and these books, are told more in real-time, as opposed to hearing a story in the past tense.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 18 Sep. 2026
  • Prosecutors say Castro falsely told investigators that he had been attacked with a broom and a shovel.
    — TIM SULLIVAN, Arkansas Online, 18 Sep. 2026
Definition of tell
Verb
  • One aspect of Lamont’s energy policy that Fazio declined to second-guess was the decision to sign a deal with Millstone, which was opposed by some Republicans at the time.
    — John Moritz, Hartford Courant, 18 Sep. 2026
  • The Soviet Union took the islands from Japan in the final days of World War II and the ongoing dispute has prevented the countries from signing a peace treaty formally ending their hostilities.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 18 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 25 Sep. 2026.

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