tug
10 synonyms and 1 antonym for tug, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To pull at something with a sharp or sustained effort.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To pull at something with a sharp or sustained effort.
“The toddler tugged at her mother's sleeve, wanting attention.”
Opposites
How to use tug
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
tug of war
tug at
give a tug
Etymology
From Old English togian ("to drag, draw"), related to "tow" and going back to an ancient root meaning "to pull."
Full origin of tug →Frequently asked questions
What does “tug” mean?
The word “tug” means to pull at something with a sharp or sustained effort. In plain terms, to pull, often sharply or repeatedly.
How do you pronounce “tug”?
“Tug” is pronounced tuhg (/tʌɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “tug” in a sentence?
Here is “tug” used in a sentence: “The toddler tugged at her mother's sleeve, wanting attention.”
What part of speech is “tug”?
Depending on how it is used, “tug” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “tug” come from?
The word “tug” comes from Old English. From Old English togian ("to drag, draw"), related to "tow" and going back to an ancient root meaning "to pull.".
Is “tug” a common word?
“Tug” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “tug” have?
“Tug” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to pull at something with a sharp or sustained effort.
