Find Synonyms

hug Synonyms

Another word for hug

Choosing another word for hug depends on context, so the 28 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 6 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
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• noun (Context 1)

An act of holding someone tightly in one's arms, typically to express affection, warmth, or comfort.

Usage Example

"She greeted her grandmother at the door with a warm embrace."

Strongest
embrace
cuddle
Strong
squeeze
bear hug
clasp
Weak
caress

• verb (Context 2)

To squeeze someone tightly in one's arms, typically to express affection or comfort.

Usage Example

"The children ran across the yard to embrace their parents after school."

Strongest
embrace
cuddle
Strong
squeeze
hold
clasp
enfold
snuggle
cradle

• verb (Context 3)

To keep very close to something as one moves or travels alongside it.

Usage Example

"The small fishing boat had to keep close to the coastline to avoid the rough open seas."

Strongest
keep close to
Strong
skirt
cling to
follow
border

• verb (Context 4)

To fit tightly around the contours of the body (of a garment).

Usage Example

"The tailored wool coat was designed to cling to the shoulders neatly."

Strongest
cling to
Strong
mold to
fit

• noun (Context 5)

A tight grip around an opponent's body in wrestling.

Usage Example

"The wrestler trapped his challenger in a powerful bear bear hug."

Strongest
bear hug
hold
Strong
clinch
grip
grapple
lock

• verb (Context 6)

To cherish or cling firmly to a belief, feeling, or idea in the mind.

Usage Example

"Despite the mounting counterevidence, he continued to cling to the illusion that the project would succeed on schedule."

Strongest
cling to
cherish
hold on to
Strong
harbor
nurse
foster
nurture
entertain

Opposites of hug

The opposite of hug shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:

abandon
push away
give up
release
renounce
relinquish
forsake
let go
See all opposites of hug

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Hug. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/hug
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