tug 1 of 2

noun

Definition of tugnext
as in pull
the act or an instance of applying force on something so that it moves in the direction of the force gave the man in front a tug on his shirtsleeve as a sign that he was supposed to step aside

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

tug

2 of 2

verb

ˈtəg How to pronounce tug (audio)
1
as in to pull
to cause to follow by applying steady force on tugged on the door until it opened

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to struggle
to devote serious and sustained effort she's tugged all her life to get to where she is now in the business world

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 tug
Noun
The person then stole an Alaska Airlines tug vehicle used to tow jets. — Matthew Rodriguez, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026 The tug was parked at an Alaska Airlines gate and is owned Alliance Ground International which does airport services for airlines. — Alexandra Skores, CNN Money, 7 Oct. 2026
Verb
But already the thought tugged at me that the scales that had turned were not celestial, but legal, the workings of the same system condemned in the camp as corrupt and broken. — J. B. MacKinnon, Harpers Magazine, 22 Sep. 2026 WashWise recommends holding the spray 8 to 12 inches away, applying a light mist and smoothing or gently tugging the fabric to release wrinkles. — Ryan Brennan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for tug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for tug
  1. pull
  2. haul
  3. struggle
  4. yank
  5. drag
  6. labor
  7. jerk
  8. strive
Noun
  • Quirky touches include plaid upholstery, fabric door-pull straps and a removable storage basket 3D-printed from bio-plastic and wood.
    — New Atlas, New Atlas, 12 Oct. 2026
  • The lifestyle premium Then there’s the pull that has drawn Americans west for generations.
    — Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 11 Oct. 2026
Definition of pull
Verb
  • On fourth-and-1 from the Indiana 38, Sayin launched a play-action pass toward the end zone, and Smith leaped over everyone else to haul it in for a 38-yard touchdown that put Ohio State up 19-7.
    — Ryan Canfield OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
  • After a brief exchange, officers hauled him into a police vehicle and drove away.
    — Sheikh Saaliq, Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of haul
Verb
  • Miller's attempt to recast the conversation about his divorce echoed efforts by other candidates who are struggling to overcome concerns about their character.
    — Lara Korte The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 2026
  • But more than 40 countries currently struggling with financing and liquidity challenges do not have debt stocks that require imminent restructuring.
    — Masood Ahmed, Fortune, 17 Oct. 2026
Definition of struggle
Noun
  • Smudge, yank, squash and draw on photos to create one-of-a-kind masterpieces meant to be shared.
    — Jennifer Maas, Variety, 19 Aug. 2026
  • The yanks are coming, the yanks are coming!
    — Kirk Bowman, The Conversation, 9 June 2026
Definition of yank
Verb
  • Dozens of locations in the central and southern US will soar to record high temperatures on Tuesday, but the incoming front will drag those highs down by more than 30 degrees in many locales by Friday or Saturday.
    — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2026
  • As the comet rotates, fresh ice enters the sunlight and sublimates; the escaping gas then drags entrained dust particles away from the nucleus.
    — Joe Rao, Space.com, 13 Oct. 2026
Definition of drag
Verb
  • The circumstances of Saint Michael’s help while the pilgrim labored and delivered in the ocean were markedly different from those in the miracle ascribed to the Virgin.
    — Ellen O’Connell Whittet, Literary Hub, 7 Oct. 2026
  • Strange, yes, but definitely more memorable than an accountant in green eyeshade laboring over the books.
    — Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026
Definition of labor
Noun
  • From award-winning jerk pork wraps to classic rice and peas, every bite celebrates our heritage.
    — Charlotte Observer, Charlotte Observer, 9 Oct. 2026
  • Bella’s childhood friend Angus (Jake Simmance), a corporate jerk, condescendingly probes Johnny about his career.
    — Rafaela Bassili, Vulture, 2 Oct. 2026
Definition of jerk
Verb
  • Local government and outside groups have long strived to ban the popular tourist attraction that critics argue is harmful to horses’ well-being.
    — Claire Carter, The Washington Examiner, 14 Oct. 2026
  • Stores plan to be thriving Hispanic community hubs Amor Collective will strive to be an event space beyond just meetings and workshops.
    — Terry Tang, Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of strive

Browse Nearby Words

tufts
tug
tugboat
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Cite this Entry

“Tug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/tug. Accessed 18 Oct. 2026.

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