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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

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

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2024

But there is some logic thread to tug at here, in that Williams built his comedy persona around being an outsider observing his fellow humans with affection, sensitivity and understanding.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2023

“His songs could tug at your emotional heartstrings.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2023

He stuck his right index finger into his mouth and began to tug at the nail.

From "The Great Gilly Hopkins" by Katherine Paterson