Definition of hunker (down)next
as in to crouch
to lie low with the limbs close to the body had to hunker down so no one would see him behind the gate

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for hunker (down)
Verb
  • Muchová went up 3-1 early with a crouching forehand volley that just plopped inside the court, prompting applause from Gauff and a disbelieving shake of the head from Muchová.
    Ava Wallace, New York Times, 9 July 2026
  • Johansen, sporting an all-black outfit, crouches down next to him and sweetly rests her head on his shoulder.
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026
Verb
  • Locals have spotted groups of people in Korea jerseys huddled together, trying to decide what to order at In-N-Out.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 11 July 2026
  • The two men later huddled, in an encounter that hasn’t previously been reported.
    Missy Ryan, The Atlantic, 10 July 2026
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.

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Cite this Entry

“Hunker (down).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hunker%20%28down%29. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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