bear-hugged

verb

past tense of bear-hug
as in hugged
to put one's arms around and press tightly elated team members bear-hugging everyone in sight

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 bear-hugged 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for bear-hugged
  1. hugged
  2. clasped
Verb
  • When Ramirez’s daughter returned to her seat after speaking, the same relative hugged and kissed her.
    — Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2026
  • The property itself was first built by the Medici family and sits in the Val d’Orcia, hugged by endless hills dotted by cypresses and quaint villages.
    — CNT Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Definition of hugged
Verb
  • Then the duo begins, and everyone leans forward, rapt, hands clasped loosely in front of them, mouthing every word.
    — Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 28 Sep. 2026
  • Davis stood with his lawyer as the verdict was read, then sat with his hands clasped on the table.
    — Jon Haworth, ABC News, 1 Sep. 2026
Definition of clasped

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Bear-hugged.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/bear-hugged. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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