1
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
2
as in clasps
to put one's arms around and press tightly
Grandma hugged the grandchildren good-bye
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of hugs
Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
The fit-and-flare style hugs your chest and waist for a flattering fit, and the wide skirt can flow in the breeze for breathable comfort.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
Council approved the map that hugs the perimeter of the extended Cal Fire map, following Oak Place to Wildcat Creek to Douglas Lane to Fruitvale Avenue to Crisp Avenue to El Camino Grande to Montevista Drive.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 14 Oct. 2025
The high-rise cut and subtle flare make legs look a mile long, while the brand’s signature stretch denim hugs your curves without ever feeling restrictive.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
The bra is made of a silky fabric that’s lightweight and smoothing for a fit that hugs you and stays hidden under clothes.
—Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
Yet Massie’s partnership with Paul could pay off anyway, in a district that hugs the Ohio River and includes the Cincinnati suburbs and tiny hamlets like Mount Olivet.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Rent a bike and pedal the picturesque eight-mile loop that hugs the shoreline, pausing to dip your toes in the lake.
—Christine Chitnis, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
Along a dirt road off the narrow highway that hugs the northern shore the taro leaves extend like waving hands from the quilt of rectangular pools so shallow that the birds in them stand with their leg joints exposed.
—Matt Negrin, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2025
Noun
The slip-on hybrid heel features a wider elastic strap that hugs the foot, with a heel also measuring 78mm.
—Karla Rodriguez, Footwear News, 21 Oct. 2025
The fit-and-flare style hugs your chest and waist for a flattering fit, and the wide skirt can flow in the breeze for breathable comfort.
—Caley Sturgill, Southern Living, 20 Oct. 2025
Council approved the map that hugs the perimeter of the extended Cal Fire map, following Oak Place to Wildcat Creek to Douglas Lane to Fruitvale Avenue to Crisp Avenue to El Camino Grande to Montevista Drive.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, Mercury News, 14 Oct. 2025
The high-rise cut and subtle flare make legs look a mile long, while the brand’s signature stretch denim hugs your curves without ever feeling restrictive.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 7 Oct. 2025
The bra is made of a silky fabric that’s lightweight and smoothing for a fit that hugs you and stays hidden under clothes.
—Melody Kazel, PEOPLE, 28 Sep. 2025
Yet Massie’s partnership with Paul could pay off anyway, in a district that hugs the Ohio River and includes the Cincinnati suburbs and tiny hamlets like Mount Olivet.
—Burgess Everett, semafor.com, 25 Sep. 2025
Rent a bike and pedal the picturesque eight-mile loop that hugs the shoreline, pausing to dip your toes in the lake.
—Christine Chitnis, Vogue, 24 Sep. 2025
Along a dirt road off the narrow highway that hugs the northern shore the taro leaves extend like waving hands from the quilt of rectangular pools so shallow that the birds in them stand with their leg joints exposed.
—Matt Negrin, Rolling Stone, 20 Sep. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hugs
Verb
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At the tip meeting, Sandy congratulates the interior team and, in so many gentle words, tells the deck team to do better.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
21 Oct. 2025
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Head coach Deion Sanders of the Colorado Buffaloes congratulates players after a first half scoring drive against the Delaware Fightin Blue Hens at Folsom Field on September 6, 2025 in Boulder, Colorado.—
Michael Gallagher,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 Sep. 2025
Verb
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As Helen plots revenge and Madeline clings to her rapidly fading star, their world is suddenly turned upside down by Viola Van Horn, a mysterious woman with a secret that’s to die for.—
Denise Petski,
Deadline,
20 Oct. 2025
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Frehley picks up on the drummer’s simmering syncopation hereand unleashes a banshee-like howl of a solo that still clings to the band’s rhythm.—
A.D. Amorosi,
Variety,
17 Oct. 2025
Noun
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Other offerings up for grabs include a Patek Philippe World Time ref.—
Nicole Hoey,
Robb Report,
24 Oct. 2025
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Paris is in a tizzy over recent smash and grabs at the Louvre and elsewhere.—
Brittany Allen,
Literary Hub,
23 Oct. 2025
Verb
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The Middletons are a huggy bunch; embraces come easily and often.—
Erika Edwards,
NBC news,
23 Oct. 2025
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The actress leads Anniversary, a thriller about a fractured family that clashes as the country embraces a controversial rising movement known as The Change.—
Benjamin VanHoose,
PEOPLE,
22 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Hugs.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hugs. Accessed 30 Oct. 2025.
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