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Dictionary.com

tug at

VERB
move
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bring carry convert drive lead operate propel push shift start turn
STRONG
activate actuate advocate affect agitate budge cause excite impel impress incite induce inspire inspirit instigate introduce persuade prompt propose quicken recommend rouse shove stimulate stir strike submit suggest sway touch urge
WEAK
bring up draw up get going give rise to play on prevail upon put forward work on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
discourage dissuade hold keep lose remain repress stop
STRONG
calm delay dull halt hinder leave alone lull oppose prevent quiet slow suppress tranquilize
WEAK
dishearten fix pause stay

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.

“The Unlikely Tale of Chase and Finnegan” strikes the right balance of sincerity in the hands of Jasmine Warga, though there’s still plenty of material to tug at the heartstrings.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 20, 2026

Richter’s spare composition is meant to tug at the heartstrings, and it does its job just as well here, especially for unsuspecting viewers.

From Salon • Nov. 30, 2025

Meanwhile, Lidl - like John Lewis - has gone for a classic tale designed to tug at the heartstrings.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2024

Its mood is often playful, until there’s a hard tug at the heartstrings.

From New York Times • May 30, 2024

You tug at it, pull it down, like maybe you have decided you actually want to cover your knees after all.

From "The Thing About Jellyfish" by Ali Benjamin