Synonyms for

Tug

Verb / tʌg / Another word for tug — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To pull something or someone hard and often with a lot of effort.

Synonyms & similar words

tugboat tote drive push tower labor lug jerk towboat labour pull drag haul yank twitch jerk wrench pluck tow heave draw fetch lug carry move tense strain stretch pump push

Synonyms by register

Formal

pull drag haul tow

Informal

yank jerk lug heave

Literary

wrench draw tow

Antonyms

release loosen slack yield give way ease

Common collocations

  • tug of war
  • tug boat
  • tug at the heartstrings
  • tug on something
  • tug the rope
  • tug the steering wheel
  • tug the blanket

Word family

noun tug
verb tug

Usage note

The noun 'tug' can refer to the act of pulling or a type of boat. The verb 'tug' implies a strong, often sudden, pull.

Example sentences

  1. I tug on my dog's leash to make him come back to me.
  2. She had to tug on the door to get it open.
  3. He tugged at his hair in frustration.
  4. The child tugged at his mother's sleeve to get her attention.
  5. I had to tug the heavy box up the stairs.

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