English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com

shrug

0 synonyms and 0 antonyms for shrug, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — To raise the shoulders briefly to show indifference, uncertainty, or a lack of concern.

We haven't recorded synonyms for shrug yet. You can still read its full definition, where it comes from, or words that rhyme with it.

How to use shrug

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

shrug it off shrug your shoulders a casual shrug

Etymology

From Middle English schruggen, probably of North Germanic origin, related to words meaning "to stoop or crouch."

Full origin of shrug →

Frequently asked questions

What does “shrug” mean?

The word “shrug” means to raise the shoulders briefly to show indifference, uncertainty, or a lack of concern. In plain terms, to lift your shoulders to show you don't know or don't care, or a short cropped cardigan.

How do you pronounce “shrug”?

“Shrug” is pronounced SHRUHG (/ˈʃɹʌɡ/ in IPA).

How do you use “shrug” in a sentence?

Here is “shrug” used in a sentence: “He just shrugged when asked why he was late.”

What part of speech is “shrug”?

Depending on how it is used, “shrug” can be a verb and a noun.

Where does the word “shrug” come from?

The word “shrug” comes from Middle English. From Middle English schruggen, probably of North Germanic origin, related to words meaning "to stoop or crouch.".

Is “shrug” a common word?

“Shrug” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “shrug” have?

“Shrug” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to raise the shoulders briefly to show indifference, uncertainty, or a lack of concern.

Nearby words

← Back to the full definition of shrug
Synonyms and antonyms from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.