1
as in to congratulate
to express to (someone) admiration for his or her success or good fortune
she hugged herself for having made a killing on the investment
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to clasp
to put one's arms around and press tightly
Grandma hugged the grandchildren good-bye
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hug
Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
On the other side of that tunnel of fans, looking like an Irish Andy Dufresne, McIlroy eventually ran out of people to hug.
—Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Every woman deserves to have conversations that feel like a hug when visiting their medical professionals, and being culturally and socially aware of the experiences of others, especially patients, regardless of one’s background, lends itself to better interpersonal connection altogether.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Verb
On her Instagram Stories, Cavallari also shared a promotional video for the new Uncommon James items, which featured some sweet mother-daughter moments, including a scene where the two hold hands, hug each other and make a pinky promise.
—Kimberlee Speakman, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
On the other side of that tunnel of fans, looking like an Irish Andy Dufresne, McIlroy eventually ran out of people to hug.
—Brendan Quinn, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025
Noun
Sarah Michelle Gellar is giving her younger self a hug today.
—Madison E. Goldberg, People.com, 15 Apr. 2025
Every woman deserves to have conversations that feel like a hug when visiting their medical professionals, and being culturally and socially aware of the experiences of others, especially patients, regardless of one’s background, lends itself to better interpersonal connection altogether.
—Lynnette Nicholas, Essence, 11 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
Verb
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Residents Dan Lee was among those who congratulated House as well as village clerk and trustee candidates who ran on the Clean House slate.—
Mike Nolan,
Chicago Tribune,
8 Apr. 2025
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After the 49ers won the AFC Championship against the Detroit Lions in January 2024, Mindy congratulated her husband in an Instagram reel that featured a montage of herself and their kids on the field.—
Emily Krauser,
People.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Verb
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In the audience, Wade Sr. nodded slowly, his hands clasped.—
D. Watkins,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2025
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The players’ victory cries echoing off the walls, Al-Khelaifi greeted each of them in turn, clasping their heads between his hands and bellowing his congratulations into their ears.—
Tom Williams,
New York Times,
8 Apr. 2025
Noun
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And then probably a Sunday that ends among familiar shadows splayed across fairways, a long walk up Augusta’s 18th, a hat brim pushed up off his forehead, a final putt, a final roar, a teary embrace with his family, and then a 44 Long in green.—
Brendan Quinn,
New York Times,
11 Apr. 2025
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That innocent people are disappearing into El Salvador’s prisons is no secret—making the embrace of Bukele a disturbing signal of just how far a strongman can go without losing political ground.—
Gisela Salim-Peyer,
The Atlantic,
10 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Banks that cling to legacy distribution models may see their brand recognition diminish, even as demand for their core services remains strong.—
Christer Holloman,
Forbes.com,
14 Apr. 2025
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The creator, known as Ayla Meade, shared a short video to the platform on April 8, capturing her loyal dog clinging to her arm and shoulder during a few car rides.—
David Faris,
MSNBC Newsweek,
11 Apr. 2025
Noun
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New faces on defense There were significant questions about the Broncos’ defense heading into the spring, with several starting positions up for grabs.—
Shaun Goodwin,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Apr. 2025
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The 2026 midterm election will be a key test of the party, with control of the House and Senate up for grabs.—
Nicholas Creel,
MSNBC Newsweek,
19 Apr. 2025
Verb
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Second to a lower-back tattoo depicting the sun cradled by a crescent moon, a belly button ring was the coolest body-modification trend of the ’90s and early aughts.—
Marianne Mychaskiw,
Allure,
9 Apr. 2025
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The Canadian dignitary, who's cradling Noah, agrees to consider sending her country's refugees back.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
8 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 24 Apr. 2025.
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