bear-hugged

verb

past tense of bear-hug
as in hugged
to put one's arms around and press tightly elated team members bear-hugging everyone in sight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 bear-hugged Running back Isaac Guerendo returned to practice Tuesday and twice ran into the line only to be bear-hugged by Warner, who followed orders and did not tackle to the ground. — Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bear-hugged
  1. hugged
  2. clasped
Verb
  • Some spoke to members of Davis’ family after the proceeding and hugged them.
    — Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Still in tears, Salman and her mother later hugged each other across the railing between the audience and the courtroom well.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 28 Oct. 2026
Definition of hugged
Verb
  • Embiid appeared to wonder during the national anthem where the Knicks' championship banner was hanging in the rafters as James sat nearby on the bench with his head bowed and hands clasped.
    — CBS News, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026
  • The patron stands, hands clasped behind his back, with a foot perched on the box.
    — Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 12 Oct. 2026
Definition of clasped

Browse Nearby Words

bear-hug
bear-hugged
bear-hugging
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Cite this Entry

“Bear-hugged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bear-hugged. Accessed 30 Oct. 2026.

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