hug 1 of 2

verb

ˈhəg How to pronounce hug (audio)
Definition of hugnext
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

hug

2 of 2

noun

as in embrace

Related Words

Dissimilar 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
Verb
Videos from these gatherings showing chanting crowds beneath concert lights, audience members crying, hugging strangers and dancing barefoot have racked up millions of views online. — Ayushi Shah, CNN Money, 4 July 2026 On a recent afternoon outside the temple in central Kerala, Raman stood motionless as two children played, giggling and hugging its trunk. — ABC News, 3 July 2026
Noun
The hugs that followed, from him, from his family, were the kind that comes when something enormous finally releases. — Khushali Jhaveri, STAT, 17 June 2026 The layout seems to surround you in a welcoming hug while encouraging exploration of the gardens, vineyards, retail shop, and many tasting nooks. — Liz Thach, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hug
  1. congratulate
  2. clasp
  3. embrace
  4. cling
  5. grab
  6. cradle
Verb
  • The State Department on Tuesday congratulated conservative candidate Keiko Fujimori after she was declared the winner of Peru’s presidential runoff election by a razor-thin margin.
    — Bonny Chu, FOXNews.com, 1 July 2026
  • In 2010, on Respect for the Aged Day, Japanese officials sought out a Tokyo man named Sogen Kato to congratulate him on living to a hundred and eleven.
    — Dhruv Khullar, New Yorker, 29 June 2026
Definition of congratulate
Verb
  • Charlotte, an avid tennis fan like her mom, could be seen clasping her face in shock with her eyes wide during the games, mirroring Kate's own expressions at times.
    — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 4 July 2026
  • Aabria, by contrast, leans on personality and connection, clasping hands with the jurors and complimenting them before calmly lying about the rules of the bra contest and her victory.
    — Tasha Robinson, Vulture, 30 June 2026
Definition of clasp
Noun
  • The couple embrace on a leather armchair somewhere in the home in this 1969 snap.
    — Michelle Duncan, Architectural Digest, 1 July 2026
  • Today, the country’s embrace of the technology is evidenced by the ubiquity of robots.
    — John Liu, CNN Money, 30 June 2026
Definition of embrace
Verb
  • While Top Gun had Cruise daringly fly and pilot fighter planes, Rogue Nation saw the actor cling onto one from the outside!
    — Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • Washing blueberries removes dirt and toxins that may cling to the fruit during handling and transporting from farm to store.
    — Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026
Definition of cling
Noun
  • Both teams’ stars came to play with top spot in Group K up for grabs, with the flair and technical quality on display making for a compelling watch with sweeping moves and 37 shots.
    — Anantaajith Raghuraman, New York Times, 5 July 2026
  • In a battle of contrasting styles, Colombia takes on Ghana with a place in the Round of 16 up for grabs.
    — Ben Church, CNN Money, 3 July 2026
Definition of grab
Verb
  • On June 19, Hathaway casually stepped into the frame of her Instagram Reel in a white maxiskirt and matching blouse, dropping her arms to cradle her growing baby bump before walking out of the shot.
    — Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 19 June 2026
  • On Wednesday, June 17, the journalist shared an Instagram post featuring herself in a New York Knicks jersey, cradling her sleeping newborn granddaughter, who was wearing a floral onesie.
    — Clare Fisher, PEOPLE, 18 June 2026
Definition of cradle

Browse Nearby Words

huffy
hug
huge
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Cite this Entry

“Hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hug. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Nglish: Translation of hug for Spanish Speakers

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