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.

“I ate vitamins on an empty stomach then sat in traffic,” he said with a shrug.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2026

They bring a shrug, then an eye cast toward the next record high.

From Barron's • Mar. 16, 2026

French industry was mostly able to shrug off the impact of U.S. tariffs in 2025.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

Some here have pointed out the reaction of Gulf residents to drone strikes that in Kyiv would prompt no more than a shrug.

From BBC • Mar. 3, 2026

“Hey, I’m from Massachusetts,” Andrew replies with a shrug.

From "Linked" by Gordon Korman