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Definition of snugnext
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as in to snuggle
to sit or recline comfortably or cozily the farmhand snugged down in the hay and proceeded to go to sleep

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective snug differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of snug are comfortable, cozy, easy, and restful. While all these words mean "enjoying or providing a position of contentment and security," snug suggests having just enough space for comfort and safety but no more.

a snug little cottage

When could comfortable be used to replace snug?

The words comfortable and snug can be used in similar contexts, but comfortable applies to anything that encourages serenity, well-being, or complacency as well as physical ease.

started feeling comfortable in our new surroundings

When would cozy be a good substitute for snug?

While the synonyms cozy and snug are close in meaning, cozy suggests warmth, shelter, assured ease, and friendliness.

a cozy neighborhood coffee shop

When is easy a more appropriate choice than snug?

The meanings of easy and snug largely overlap; however, easy implies relief from or absence of anything likely to cause discomfort or constraint.

living in easy circumstances

When can restful be used instead of snug?

The words restful and snug are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, restful applies to whatever induces or contributes to rest or relaxation.

a quiet restful vacation

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 snug
Adjective
They’re made with a soft leather upper material and adjustable buckle to ensure your feet are snug and secure. — Rylee Johnston, PEOPLE, 3 June 2026 Built on the same last as his cowboy boots, Merrell became known for building products that — like a cowboy boot — were snug at the heel, precise over the instep and roomy in the toes. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 2 June 2026
Verb
Built on the same last as his cowboy boots, Merrell became known for building products that — like a cowboy boot — were snug at the heel, precise over the instep and roomy in the toes. — Stephen Garner, Footwear News, 2 June 2026 The hilt of a sword protruded from his back, snug beside a pack as tight as an angry fist. — Jeff Spry, Space.com, 18 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for snug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for snug
Adjective
  • After an intriguing start to the second act, the pacing begins to lag before resolving with an overly tidy and quick ending.
    — Emily McClanathan, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026
  • Your compassion turns into practical care as you tidy receipts, then release a worry that never helped.
    — Tarot.com, New York Daily News, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Only someone very comfortable, or very dishonest, would pretend the fantasy has no appeal.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Anyone who’s owned Birkenstocks is familiar with their remarkably comfortable cork footbeds, which contour to your feet with every step.
    — Sophie Dodd, Travel + Leisure, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Spotted hyenas signal one-on-one playfulness with a relaxed open mouth.
    — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The animal was far from sprinting, instead taking a relaxed stroll at a speed surprisingly comparable to a human walking briskly to catch a bus.
    — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 21 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • When workers feel stuck, engagement, productivity and retention eventually suffer.
    — Priya Krishnan, Forbes.com, 25 Sep. 2026
  • The cold temperature combined with the stickiness of any food juices that get stuck to the inside of the fridge make cleaning it arduous and time-consuming (and gross).
    — Kate McKenna, The Spruce, 24 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Public libraries weren’t safe either, as books were banned from shelves.
    — Brayden Garcia, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026
  • The 115-foot lighthouse was built in 1872 to keep travelers safe between Monterey and San Francisco before there was a PCH.
    — David G. Allan, CNN Money, 22 Sep. 2026
Verb
  • On Friday, September 11, the 16-time Grammy winner—whose real name is Stefani Germanotta—was photographed with her fiancé, Michael Polansky, and their child, who was snuggled against Gaga’s chest in a baby carrier.
    — Allison DeGrushe, StyleCaster, 16 Sep. 2026
  • The new parents were photographed last week on a walk with the infant in a front carrier, snuggled close to the superstar.
    — Martha Ross, Chicago Tribune, 15 Sep. 2026
Adjective
  • Fashion teams can compare cities and seasons as well as brands, side by side, and it can be done with a highly granular range of attributes — such as product type, color, material and print all the way through to fit, detail, trim, closure and tone.
    — Arthur Zaczkiewicz, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2026
  • Designers suggest using bold shades for walls, trim, or ceilings, while balancing intensity with neutral tones.
    — Tessa Cooper, Better Homes & Gardens, 31 Aug. 2026
Adjective
  • Paris Baguette serves sweet and savory pastries, wraps, breakfast sandwiches and cakes, including chocolate hazelnut with Nutella, a chocolate mousse, salted caramel layer cake, a blueberry chiffon cake and a strawberry soft cream cake.
    — Ella Gonzales, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Sep. 2026
  • For those not quite ready to descend immediately into oxbloods, blacks, and vampy winter tones, taupe offers a softer way in.
    — Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 23 Sep. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Snug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/snug. Accessed 26 Sep. 2026.

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