plug 1 of 2

verb

Definition of plugnext
1
as in to fill
to close up so that no empty spaces remain plugged the hole in the wall with putty

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to struggle
to devote serious and sustained effort plugged away at solving the math problem

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in to promote
to provide publicity for the actress is giving lots of interviews to plug her latest movie

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in to shoot
to strike with a missile from a gun the drug lord plugged the stool pigeon as a lesson for any others who were tempted to talk

Synonyms & Similar Words

plug

2 of 2

noun

1
as in ad

Related Words
2
as in cob

Related Words
3
as in hook

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Dissimilar 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 plug
Verb
On Thursday, workers excavated a 3-foot-by-4-foot area to find the source of the water, plugged the leak and resumed preparing the street to reopen. — Clara Harter, Los Angeles Times, 24 July 2026 Now, Kovar has a setup from Ford that allows drivers of certain F-150 models to plug their vehicle directly into their electric meter to power parts of their home during an outage. — Alexa St. John, Fortune, 23 July 2026
Noun
This plug protected one of the 59 screws attaching the aft heatshield to the Apollo 8 command module in December 1968. — Popular Science Team, Popular Science, 16 July 2026 What gives Smith staying power on the roster is his spark-plug ability on special teams. — Kansas City Star, 11 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for plug
Recent Examples of Synonyms for plug
  1. fill
  2. struggle
  3. promote
  4. shoot
  5. ad
  6. cob
  7. hook
  8. pack
Verb
  • Spoon about 1 tablespoon cream cheese mixture in the center of each square, and spread slightly to fill the smaller square while maintaining the border.
    — Torie Cox, Southern Living, 1 Aug. 2026
  • The seats were filled with families and friends all huddled underneath the shade of umbrellas to enjoy an afternoon ice cream.
    — Hali Smith August 1, Idaho Statesman, 1 Aug. 2026
Definition of fill
Verb
  • Bills struggle to survive the legislative process Even when lawmakers agree on a proposal, getting it across the finish line presents another challenge.
    — Nora O'Neill July 28, Charlotte Observer, 28 July 2026
  • Finding balance has been something France has struggled with since its success at the 2018 World Cup and Zidane will be tasked with combining France’s offensive arsenal with defensive rigidity behind them.
    — Thomas Schlachter, CNN Money, 28 July 2026
Definition of struggle
Verb
  • Veterinary experts share tips on how to care for the items that come into contact with our furry companions to promote good health and stave off odors.
    — Jolie Kerr, Washington Post, 1 Aug. 2026
  • It is commonly used in sports medicine, regenerative medicine and wellness settings with the goal of promoting the healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles and other soft tissues.
    — Jacqueline Howard, CNN Money, 31 July 2026
Definition of promote
Verb
  • Colin Gray’s sentencing represents the end of a harrowing road that began with the September 2024 shooting in which his son, then 14, fatally shot two students and two teachers and injured nine others at his Winder, Georgia, high school.
    — Eric Levenson, CNN Money, 30 July 2026
  • Basically, Georgia will never be able to do anything right in Emira’s eyes, so the messenger is getting shot.
    — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 30 July 2026
Definition of shoot
Noun
  • Another independent expenditure group, ImpactCT, is spending on digital ads and mailers in support of Bronin that touch on the same themes around corporate PAC money, as well as his support for a ban on congressional stock trading.
    — Lisa Hagen, Hartford Courant, 25 July 2026
  • New Amazon Music subscribers using a Galaxy tablet or phone are eligible for three months of ad-free music, podcasts and one audiobook a month, for free.
    — Janhoi McGregor, Forbes.com, 25 July 2026
Definition of ad
Noun
  • While corn on the cob is a no, kernels from the cob are a yes.
    — Cody Godwin, USA Today, 24 July 2026
  • Hold the corn, tip down, in the bowl, and using a sharp knife, cut straight down between the kernels and the cob, cutting as close to the cob as possible and rotating the ear about a quarter turn after each cut.
    — Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 7 July 2026
Definition of cob
Noun
  • Joshua unleashed a flurry of fists and finished Prenga with a right hook, sending the Albanian through the bottom of the ropes.
    — ABC News, ABC News, 25 July 2026
  • Irolla and the hospital are building a prosthetic for Apgar with a gel liner and a hook extension that is designed to fit around the bat and provide a more secure attachment.
    — Jay Cohen, Chicago Tribune, 25 July 2026
Definition of hook
Verb
  • In 2022, the skills competitions were played in an empty convention center; in 2026, the All-Star Game set an attendance record with 19,783 fans, packing an NBA arena instead of the Chicago Sky’s usual home of Wintrust Arena.
    — Sabreena Merchant, New York Times, 26 July 2026
  • The creamy formula is packed with rose extracts and rose oil to condition, plus hyaluronic acid to draw in moisture and ceramides to reinforce the lip barrier, leaving your lips softer and smoother with every swipe.
    — Christa Joanna Lee, Allure, 26 July 2026
Definition of pack

Phrases Containing plug

Browse Nearby Words

plucky
plug
plug (away)
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Plug.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/plug. Accessed 1 Aug. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on plug

Nglish: Translation of plug for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about plug

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