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hunker Synonyms
Another word for hunker
Choosing another word for hunker depends on context, so the 10 synonyms and similar words below are separated across 3 exact definitions and ranked by match strength.
• verb (Context 1)
To settle in, take shelter, or apply oneself seriously for a sustained period (usually followed by "down").
Usage Example
"With the winter storm approaching, the family decided to hole up down at home for the weekend."
Strongest
hole up
Strong
shelter
buckle down
entrench
• verb (Context 2)
To squat or crouch low to the ground, with the knees bent and weight resting on the heels (often followed by "down").
Usage Example
"He had to squat down beside the campfire to shield his hands from the chilly evening breeze."
Strongest
squat
crouch
Strong
huddle
stoop
Weak
cower
• noun (Context 3)
A squatting or crouching position, or the haunches (usually used in the plural, as in "on one's hunkers").
Usage Example
"The gardener sat back on his hunkers to inspect the newly sprouted seedlings."
Strongest
squat
Strong
crouch
haunches
Opposites of hunker
The opposite of hunker shifts depending on context. Common opposites include:
stand up
stand
rise
straighten
venture
depart
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Synonyms for Hunker. In Wordmom Thesaurus. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/synonyms/hunker