Thesaurus.com
Dictionary.com
Definitions

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

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 5, 2026

It's not like Rangers folk will shrug in defeat - it's not exactly their style - but Celtic fans are an angrier and more frustrated crew right now.

From BBC • Feb. 28, 2026

Read: Nvidia’s blowout earnings guidance is met with a shrug.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 25, 2026

Stalin often managed to shrug off the blame for his actions onto his subordinates or the Communist Party itself.

From "A Thousand Sisters" by Elizabeth Wein

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.