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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

For many Korean immigrants, trot songs tug at the feelings they often suppress as they go about their daily routines in their adopted country.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 4, 2023

It’s only when I feel her tug at my hand that I let myself be pulled back up to the surface, where we break out of the water and fill our lungs.

From "All The Bright Places" by Jennifer Niven

tug at

Example Sentences

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