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 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 Wallace’s casual shrug at the risks of tanning echoes a surprisingly common attitude among Gen-Zers. The New York Times News Service Syndicate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 2 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
  • Argentina were carried to Sunday’s final by a wave of emotion and by the genius of their 39-year-old captain.
    Oliver Kay, New York Times, 20 July 2026
  • Iran launched waves of strikes towards Bahrain, while Jordan’s state news agency said the country shot down four missiles fired from Iran.
    Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • Given the number of people involved in the current outbreak already, Mandrell suspects there may be multiple sources of contamination, since this is the time that the parasite generally flourishes.
    Alice Park, Time, 17 July 2026
  • Manchester’s economy and public transit network flourished under his tenure.
    Issy Ronald, CNN Money, 17 July 2026
Verb
  • Before Monday’s maneuver, the Russian ship informed HMS Tyne – a British patrol vessel – of its intention to conduct live-fire activity, CNN understands.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 21 July 2026
  • Both discoveries informed her choices for many of the principal cast and background actors.
    Sophia Panych, Allure, 20 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
  • Their lawyer, Joseph McBride, told the AP his clients were innocent of the charges.
    Devoun Cetoute, Miami Herald, 19 July 2026
  • Residents from Minnesota to Washington, DC, told CNN the noxious air has disrupted their lives, seeping into everything from their health and leisure to their businesses and family life.
    Dalia Faheid, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Verb
  • The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on June 14 to halt hostilities, prompting gas to fall back below $4 a few days later.
    Chris Isidore, CNN Money, 20 July 2026
  • Piece by piece, his group traded for Anthony Rizzo, Jake Arrieta and Kyle Hendricks; drafted Kris Bryant and Kyle Schwarber; signed free agents Jon Lester, Ben Zobrist and Dexter Fowler; and hired Joe Maddon, the perfect manager for that moment.
    Patrick Mooney, New York Times, 19 July 2026
Verb
  • SpaceX is an unusually difficult case because so much of its value lies in distant, nonlinear and related-party-entangled businesses with little public operating history.
    Shivaram Rajgopal, Forbes.com, 23 July 2026
  • Once considered purely practical, today’s residential mailboxes have evolved into an extension of a home’s exterior, offering a chance to relate your personality before anyone even reaches your front door.
    Mina Dragani, Architectural Digest, 22 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Shrug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/shrug. Accessed 23 Jul. 2026.

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