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.

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tug at

Unsurprisingly, the replies tug at the heartstrings: “I’m so glad Dolly saved you; she was amazing, and you are too.”

From Salon ● Aug. 28, 2026

A major shift could tug at the West African monsoon, tropical rainfall belts and rainfall over the Amazon.

From BBC ● Jul. 14, 2026

“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

Young girls and old men tug at “22” Clark jerseys that flap above their knees.

From New York Times ● Feb. 6, 2024

In the darkness of her parlor, Sarah Taylor felt a tug at her skirt, a toddler’s body pressed against her knees.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

tug at

Example Sentences

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Related Words