Definitions

shrug

[shruhg] / ʃrʌg /

NOUN

gesticulation

Synonyms

STRONG

action bow curtsy expression genuflection indication intimation mime motion nod pantomime reminder salute sign signal token wave wink

WEAK

body language high sign kinesics sign language

Antonyms

STRONG

repose rest

NOUN

gesture

Synonyms

STRONGEST

action body language expression indication nod reminder salute sign signal token

STRONG

bow curtsy genuflection gesticulation intimation mime pantomime wave wink

WEAK

high sign kinesics sign language

Antonyms

WEAK

speech

VERB

jerk

Synonyms

STRONGEST

bounce bump fling flop hurtle jolt lug snatch thrust tug twitch wiggle wrench wriggle wring yank

STRONG

dance flick flip grab hook pluck pull quake quiver seize shiver sling snag throw tweak vellicate whisk wrest

Antonyms

STRONG

be still

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Semiconductor stocks powered Korean and Japanese indexes higher, though investors met Nvidia’s first-quarter earnings beat with a shrug.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

At least three movies have someone saying, “That’s life,” with a shrug.

From Los Angeles Times • May 19, 2026

Nancy Marzouk felt she didn’t get the respect she deserved as a sales executive in previous jobs, and she didn’t shrug it off.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

And as for any news on what direction her fourth album might take, for once she was short of words, giving a shrug, a cheeky smile and a parting shot of: "I dunno. We'll see."

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

“I quite agree,” Mutti replied, with a shrug and a smile.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo

shrug

Example Sentences

Related Words