as in to hug
to put one's arms around and press tightly
elated team members bear-hugging everyone in sight
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Recent Examples of bear-hug
And, besides, he could be seen bear-hugging his players, as well as those of Newcastle, within moments of being led away from Barrott, twice turning back to shout and angrily gesticulate in the referee’s direction.
—
Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Once Tyler and Beau got there to Victory Lane, right before the confetti popped and rained down and reminded Reddick that yes, this was real, and yes, Jordan was bear-hugging him, and yes, a childhood dream had come true — a new memory took place.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2026
Mamdani’s refusal to bear-hug Israeli leadership, which until recently was de rigueur for both political parties, has transformed him into the embodiment of a bogeyman for some Jews who live above 60th Street.
—Hannah Seligson, Vanity Fair, 9 Jan. 2026
Williams celebrated by jumping onto the goal post padding and bear-hugging the upright, which earned him a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
—CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025
Aggies players were ecstatic with the triumph, high-fiving and bear-hugging each other and then shaking hands with fans young and old.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 15 Nov. 2025
Running back Isaac Guerendo returned to practice Tuesday and twice ran into the line only to be bear-hugged by Warner, who followed orders and did not tackle to the ground.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2025
And then Forbes will see the kid disappear into a giant bear-hug.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
Gypsy also scored a nomination for Joy Woods, who plays the actual title role as Momma Rose’s daughter Louise, and for the bear-hug of a performer who is Danny Burstein, while Camille A. Brown’s choreography was recognized but George C. Wolfe’s direction wasn’t.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 1 May 2025
Daniel Taylor, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026
Once Tyler and Beau got there to Victory Lane, right before the confetti popped and rained down and reminded Reddick that yes, this was real, and yes, Jordan was bear-hugging him, and yes, a childhood dream had come true — a new memory took place.
—Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 16 Feb. 2026
Mamdani’s refusal to bear-hug Israeli leadership, which until recently was de rigueur for both political parties, has transformed him into the embodiment of a bogeyman for some Jews who live above 60th Street.
—Hannah Seligson, Vanity Fair, 9 Jan. 2026
Williams celebrated by jumping onto the goal post padding and bear-hugging the upright, which earned him a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
—CBS News, 17 Nov. 2025
Aggies players were ecstatic with the triumph, high-fiving and bear-hugging each other and then shaking hands with fans young and old.
—Joe Davidson, Sacbee.com, 15 Nov. 2025
Running back Isaac Guerendo returned to practice Tuesday and twice ran into the line only to be bear-hugged by Warner, who followed orders and did not tackle to the ground.
—Jerry McDonald, Mercury News, 20 Aug. 2025
And then Forbes will see the kid disappear into a giant bear-hug.
—Luca Evans, Denver Post, 17 Aug. 2025
Gypsy also scored a nomination for Joy Woods, who plays the actual title role as Momma Rose’s daughter Louise, and for the bear-hug of a performer who is Danny Burstein, while Camille A. Brown’s choreography was recognized but George C. Wolfe’s direction wasn’t.
—Jackson McHenry, Vulture, 1 May 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bear-hug
Verb
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This ground-hugging perennial heralds the arrival of spring with a regal display of fragrant blooms.—
Kim Toscano,
Southern Living,
19 May 2026
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Don't miss the opportunity to hug them and give them a big kiss, because accidents happen.—
Rick Ritter,
CBS News,
19 May 2026
Verb
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In one segment, when Kimmel and McNearney pick up a hitchhiking Olivia Rodrigo while taking the family to school, Jane shows off her personality, clasping her hands over her mouth in disbelief when Rodrigo enters the car, only to sing-along with the pop star on her way to school.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
12 May 2026
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Hands clasped, head bowed, blank and fair of face.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
8 May 2026
Cite this Entry
“Bear-hug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bear-hug. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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