Meaning & use

embrace

verb·Academic

To hold someone closely in one's arms, usually as a sign of affection.

See it in a sentence

The sisters embraced tightly at the airport after being apart for a year.

He embraced his old friend the moment he stepped off the train.

A note on using this word

Embrace is more formal or literary than 'hug'; it also extends readily to an abstract sense meaning to accept an idea or change willingly.

Words with a similar meaning

hughold

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Words with an opposite meaning

Another way to use it

2. verb

To accept or adopt an idea, opportunity, or change willingly and enthusiastically.

The company embraced remote work long before it became common practice.

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