hang-up

noun

ˈhaŋ-ˌəp How to pronounce hang-up (audio)
Definition of hang-upnext
as in demon
a source of persistent emotional distress low self-esteem is only one of his many hang-ups

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of hang-up The way Daniel and Jackie get to know each other feels more authentic than genuine, navigating playful bonding moments as well as their own personal hang-ups. — Brian Truitt, USA Today, 5 June 2026 But a key hang-up in Springfield negotiations has been whether to do away with the tax buying process altogether. — A.d. Quig, Chicago Tribune, 28 May 2026 Most fans will be happy to know that the fight will count toward both legends' pro records, but this was initially a hang-up for the event. — Brian Mazique, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2026 No hang-ups or glitches on Insta embeds. — Joe Kinsey Outkick, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for hang-up
Recent Examples of Synonyms for hang-up
demon
Noun
  • And Elwood was battling his own demons, having become addicted to opioids prescribed after a hip operation.
    — Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 30 Aug. 2026
  • As told in the Devi Mahatmya, the gods are beset by the demon (asura) Mahishasura, who received a boon that he cannot be killed by a man—but he can be killed by a woman.
    — Charles Preston, Encyclopedia Britannica, 28 Aug. 2026
Definition of demon

Browse Nearby Words

hang together
hang-up
hang-ups
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Hang-up.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/hang-up. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

Copy Citation
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of dissonant

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

A List of Most Commonly Confused Words

Why do we use apostrophes to show possession?

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

The Longest Long Words List

Stay Woke
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
skateboard-dog-hat
Wordmaxxing Slang Quiz Give your vocabulary a glow up by getting sendy w...
See All