1
as in congratulated
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
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in clasped
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
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 hugged
People hugged and cheered around Delp, shifting positions and blocking the sofa without realizing the persistent pup was trying to push through just below them.
—
Sara Vallone, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
In his press conference on Monday, Rosenior pointed out that one video of Fernandez appearing to walk past him after being substituted against Manchester United was cut before the player turned around and hugged him and shook his hand.
—Cerys Jones, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Daughter discusses case Amanda Hundley, one of Smith’s daughters, hugged her mother outside the courthouse after the hearing in March.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
Afterward, the couple hugged and kissed again as onlookers clapped and cheered.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
Immediately after the entire cast went and hugged @jemfxpopov’s neck.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 19 Apr. 2026
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia pulled a goal back four minutes into stoppage time with a curler from 20 meters out, but Lyon was a worthy winner and PSG coach Luis Enrique hugged Fonseca.
—ABC News, 19 Apr. 2026
Some hugged and sobbed by her casket.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026
Penton walked out herself and hugged two women who’d attended the proceedings.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
Sara Vallone, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Apr. 2026
In his press conference on Monday, Rosenior pointed out that one video of Fernandez appearing to walk past him after being substituted against Manchester United was cut before the player turned around and hugged him and shook his hand.
—Cerys Jones, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2026
Daughter discusses case Amanda Hundley, one of Smith’s daughters, hugged her mother outside the courthouse after the hearing in March.
—Joe Marusak, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
Afterward, the couple hugged and kissed again as onlookers clapped and cheered.
—Ashlyn Robinette, PEOPLE, 20 Apr. 2026
Immediately after the entire cast went and hugged @jemfxpopov’s neck.
—Glenn Garner, Deadline, 19 Apr. 2026
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia pulled a goal back four minutes into stoppage time with a curler from 20 meters out, but Lyon was a worthy winner and PSG coach Luis Enrique hugged Fonseca.
—ABC News, 19 Apr. 2026
Some hugged and sobbed by her casket.
—Angie Dimichele, Sun Sentinel, 17 Apr. 2026
Penton walked out herself and hugged two women who’d attended the proceedings.
—Colleen Cronin, Boston Herald, 15 Apr. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hugged
Verb
-
After Biles qualified for her third Olympic Games, Owens congratulated his wife with a kiss while holding a cutout of her face.—
Diane J. Cho,
PEOPLE,
22 Apr. 2026
-
Lush’s other co-founder, Mark Constantine, reviewed these lackluster bars and congratulated the pair on inventing something new(ish… solid was historically the norm in body and hair care up until plastic bottles took over).—
Kara McGrath,
Allure,
22 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
While the other candidates pressed their palms against the podiums, ready to pounce on every question, Becerra clasped his hands like an altar boy.—
Gustavo Arellano,
Los Angeles Times,
23 Apr. 2026
-
Another girl, Donna Jo, apparently naked on a back-yard lawn, holds several small, round pieces of fruit, still on their leafy branch, clasped to her chest like a trophy.—
Vince Aletti,
New Yorker,
18 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
The Basque team welcomed a Barcelona squad featuring Lionel Messi, Neymar, Luis Suarez, Andres Iniesta and Xavi to their Anoeta stadium in January 2015, scored an early goal and clung on for dear life against the soon-to-be treble winners.—
Patrick Boyland,
New York Times,
25 Apr. 2026
-
The 93-year-old president has clung to power since 1982, in a country where 43% of the population lives in poverty.—
Claudio Lavanga,
NBC news,
23 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Investigators later learned Hissom and her male passenger, who was wounded, were caught in a crossfire as a group of four or five men grabbed weapons from a vehicle and began firing at each other.—
Darrell Smith,
Sacbee.com,
30 Apr. 2026
-
Aristide then allegedly charged at his brother, grabbed him by the neck and forced him to the ground, according to the report.—
Mauricio Maldonado,
CBS News,
30 Apr. 2026
Verb
-
Thankfully, the Dark Sky movement is growing as more people become aware of the issue and learn about simple and cost-effective ways that can be embraced to reverse the course of destroying our night skies.—
Ernie Cowan,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
26 Apr. 2026
-
At the New York City premiere on April 13, Hathaway embraced a futuristic, sculptural aesthetic on the red carpet, turning heads in a sheer gown that played with light and movement.—
Lauryn Overhultz,
FOXNews.com,
26 Apr. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Hugged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hugged. Accessed 1 May. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
