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
Relevance
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
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 hug
Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
Some couples simply make sure to never leave the house without a hug or kiss.
—Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 21 July 2025
Sara Coughlin, SELF, 22 July 2025
This comes after a viral video taken during a Coldplay concert in Boston captured a man who resembles Byron hugged up with a woman many online sleuths identified as Astronomer’s HR boss Kristin Cabot.
—Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Verb
After the celebration, the two shared a hug before leaving the ring.
—Andrew Ravens, MSNBC Newsweek, 22 July 2025
Some couples simply make sure to never leave the house without a hug or kiss.
—Gili Malinsky, CNBC, 21 July 2025
Noun
It’s made with two foam layers: The first is lighter and hugs your body, while the second is denser for added support.
—Sara Coughlin, SELF, 22 July 2025
This comes after a viral video taken during a Coldplay concert in Boston captured a man who resembles Byron hugged up with a woman many online sleuths identified as Astronomer’s HR boss Kristin Cabot.
—Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 18 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
Verb
-
Catcher Connor Wong #12 of the Boston Red Sox congratulates Aroldis Chapman #44 after their 4-1 win over the Tampa Bay Rays at Fenway Park on July 13, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.—
Zach Pressnell,
MSNBC Newsweek,
15 July 2025
-
Friends star Courteney Cox and her boyfriend, singer Johnny McDaid, congratulated Iga Świątek after her Women’s Singles win on Saturday at Wimbledon.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
13 July 2025
Verb
-
Place your forearms on the ground, with your elbows under your shoulders and palms clasped together, forming a fist.—
Jakob Roze,
Health,
14 July 2025
-
In the clip, Grant is seen sitting next to his wife Anna Elisabet Eberstein wearing a pair of sunglasses when his head appears to slump over to his right side, his hands clasped together in his lap.—
Alli Rosenbloom,
CNN Money,
9 July 2025
Noun
-
Wednesday's bit took an unexpected turn when the cameras landed on Byron and Cabot, locked in a warm embrace.—
EW.com,
EW.com,
19 July 2025
-
A couple attending a Coldplay concert got caught on the Kiss Cam in a close embrace, only to duck out of frame in what has become a viral moment, compounded by the revelation that one of the pair, CEO Andy Byron, was married to another woman.—
Lawrence Dow,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
18 July 2025
Verb
-
There was an old spiderweb still clinging to the railing by her front door.—
Mona Awad,
New Yorker,
20 July 2025
-
Third-party managers clinging to the status quo risk losing relevance as their peers deliver better results with fewer resources.—
Tyler Christiansen,
Forbes.com,
18 July 2025
Noun
-
The 2025 Tour de France is down to its final three stages, and the yellow jersey is still up for grabs.—
Jenny Catlin,
New York Times,
25 July 2025
-
Two of the spots up for grabs are at left guard and right tackle.—
Idaho Statesman,
Idaho Statesman,
24 July 2025
Verb
-
Nicola, played like a taut violin string by Embeth Davidtz (who also directed and adapted this story from Alexandra Fuller’s memoir of the same name), sleeps cradling an assault rifle.—
Los Angeles Times,
Los Angeles Times,
10 July 2025
-
Unlike squeaky inflatable neck pillows, this plush version is made up of supportive memory foam that cradles your neck, shoulders, and chin for ultimate comfort.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
9 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share