shrug
verb (used with object)
to raise and contract (the shoulders), expressing indifference, disdain, etc.
shrugged
-
past participleof shrug.past participle
A verb form used in perfect and passive verb constructions and that can also function as a modifier.
-
past tense formof shrug.past tense
Used to describe completed actions or previous habitual actions.
shrugverb (used with object)to raise and contract (the shoulders), expressing indifference, disdain, etc.
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.
He shrugged off the prospect of more fighting.
From Barron's ● Oct. 30, 2026
Secretary of State Marco Rubio shrugged that “it just sort of happened.”
From Salon ● Oct. 20, 2026
Asian stocks shrugged off Wall Street’s rally overnight and continued to fall Tuesday amid ongoing artificial-intelligence investment concerns and elevated oil prices.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 20, 2026
The bond market just shrugged off the kind of news that should have sent yields higher.
From MarketWatch ● Oct. 16, 2026
He shrugged it off, though, and brought his attention back to the Huntsman.
From "Half Upon a Time" by James Riley
