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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of hug
Jayson Greene, Vulture, 30 May 2025
The Parker’s actress shared an image of them hugging and laughing in a recent Instagram post.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 30 May 2025
Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
And so, after a week of slow postgame walks back to a quiet clubhouse, there were hugs and then a handshake line on the infield grass and music blaring in the clubhouse for the second time in three days.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Verb
My mini goldendoodle, Obie, is freaked out and barking as Kweller hugs my wife and fist-bumps my 8-year-old son.
—Jayson Greene, Vulture, 30 May 2025
The Parker’s actress shared an image of them hugging and laughing in a recent Instagram post.
—Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 30 May 2025
Noun
The younger Youssef said he’d been sustained by community members who had delivered well wishes and hugs since shortly after the burglary.
—Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 28 May 2025
And so, after a week of slow postgame walks back to a quiet clubhouse, there were hugs and then a handshake line on the infield grass and music blaring in the clubhouse for the second time in three days.
—Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
Verb
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A couple of the guys congratulated me [on this award], which felt really, really good.—
Chris Gardner,
HollywoodReporter,
30 May 2025
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Niles North Principal Marlon Felton, in his first year as the school’s principal, congratulated the class of 2025 in his encouraging remarks to them and their families.—
Pioneer Press,
Chicago Tribune,
27 May 2025
Verb
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The bronze monument depicts the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King, clasping arms.—
Ken Makin,
Christian Science Monitor,
21 May 2025
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In France for the world premiere of Lee’s new film, Washington pointed his finger, spoke animatedly and clasped the arm of the photographer, who smiled his way through the exchange.—
Jake Kanter,
Deadline,
20 May 2025
Noun
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The bitcoin price has rocketed over the last two years, turbo-charged by Wall Street adoption led by the world’s largest asset manager BlackRock and then U.S. president Donald Trump’s embrace of the technology (with Elon Musk quietly plotting what could be a bitcoin price game-changer).—
Billy Bambrough,
Forbes.com,
1 June 2025
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The starkest example is the embrace of a revisionist telling of the Capitol riots that plays down the violence that Biden-era Justice Department officials labeled as domestic terrorism.—
Hannah Allam,
ProPublica,
31 May 2025
Verb
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The next decade will belong to businesses fueled by innovation and bravery, not those clinging to stability.—
Gabrielle Boko,
Forbes.com,
4 June 2025
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That is, until the veteran back shot both arms out and clung to the ball with his finger tips, securing an unlikely catch for a big gain.—
Andrew Callahan,
Boston Herald,
2 June 2025
Noun
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The 157th running of the Belmont Stakes will once again be held at the Saratoga Race Course in Saratoga Springs, New York, with a share of $2 million up for grabs.—
Ben Church,
CNN Money,
7 June 2025
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This means that both white-collar and blue-collar jobs are up for grabs.—
Lance Eliot,
Forbes.com,
7 June 2025
Verb
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Contributor Nick Mafi loves this bed for its cradling comfort and the brand’s manufacturing practices.—
Nashia Baker,
Architectural Digest,
30 May 2025
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The cork-and-latex footbed is shaped to support your arch and cradle the heel, which helps keep your foot stable all day long.—
Lauren Paige Richeson,
Health,
29 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 11 Jun. 2025.
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