HUGS Synonyms: 76 Similar and Opposite Words

hugs 1 of 2

verb

present tense third-person singular of hug

as in congratulates

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

as in clasps

to put one's arms around and press tightly Grandma hugged the grandchildren good-bye

Synonyms & Similar Words

hugs

2 of 2

noun

plural of hug

as in embraces

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 hugs

Verb

The curvaceous Road to Hana, which hugs Maui's northeastern shore around Haleakalā National Park, is one of the island's most memorable experiences, one that will make the hassle of renting a car worth it. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026 Hilary Swank hugs The Lion King’s Ntsepa Pitjeng-Molebatsi (l) and Steven Taylor backstage at the Broadway production in New York City. — Stephanie Sengwe, PEOPLE, 21 Oct. 2026 Some spots could see major flooding depending on exactly how close the storm hugs the coast. — Mary Gilbert, CNN Money, 17 Oct. 2026 With a silhouette that hugs your thighs before lightly flaring at the ankles, this pants fit offers warmth, modesty, and elegance. — Bianca Kratky, Glamour, 8 Oct. 2026 Driving the road north of San Francisco that hugs the coast to Point Reyes. — Kara Swisher, Vanity Fair, 6 Oct. 2026 An interior row of round sapphires hugs the neck, while tsavorites, tourmalines, and light-blue sapphires recreate the frothing and churning of the falls. — Paige Reddinger, Robb Report, 3 Oct. 2026 Here, the card's frame hugs the curve of the two fans, and the back panel and its cutouts allow for a blow-through design. — Michael Justin Allen Sexton, PC Magazine, 3 Oct. 2026 Purdue Northwest student Jaelysa Bracey hugs her grandmother, Carrolle Bracey, after being sworn in as an intern with the Lake County Prosecutor's Office High Tech Crime Unit on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. — Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hugs

Verb

As Ospreay walks away, Kenny Omega congratulates him on his performance at Forbidden Door.

— Rob Wolkenbrod, Forbes.com, 2 July 2026
This logic would not have barred any of the Jim Crow voting devices that the Roberts Court frequently congratulates itself and the nation for overcoming.

— Adam Serwer, The Atlantic, 5 June 2026

Definition of congratulates

Noun

The franchise man continues to build a strong rapport with his receivers, finishing 23-of-41 for 276 yards with a touchdown pass to Matthew Golden, who led the game with 104 yards on six grabs.

— Scott Thompson OutKick, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026
The five seats up for grabs on the Fulton Commission include the northern District 1 spot, where incumbent Republican Bridget Thorne is embroiled in a rematch with Democrat Maggie Goldman.

— Reed Williams, AJC.com, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of grabs

Verb

By roasting the brussels sprouts snuggled into a blanket of grated Parmesan cheese, the cheese melts into a crispy, frico-like sheet that clings onto the sprouts, surrounding them in a lace-like halo.

— Jesse Szewczyk, Bon Appetit Magazine, 11 Oct. 2026
Sigurd’s departure only deepens this cynicism, which Livia clings to for 27 years — until the pair reconnect on the phone for a truly excruciating conversation.

— Sam Worley, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of clings

Verb

Progressives like Melat Kiros have signaled their votes for Jeffries might be up for grabs unless their leadership embraces more left-leaning policies, but most Democrats are skeptical about major defections.

— Nicholas Wu, semafor.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Designed to move between occasions, the collection embraces the growing versatility of innerwear as outerwear.

— Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of embraces

Browse Nearby Words

hugging

hugs

hulk

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Style

“Hugs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hugs. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of hugs

verb

noun

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