The best replacement for hug is handshake.

The best alternatives to hug are rated as following:
★★★★★  handshake
★★★  cuddle
★★★  embrace
★  shrug
★  shake hands
★  mike bernardo
★  ernesto hoost
★  hoost
★  kiss fable 3
★  matsui
★  not to hug
★  bernardo
  ray sefo
  peter aerts
  kiss on the cheek
  feitosa
  romantic hug
  francisco filho
  hoodie
  aerts
  duke roufus
  hand shake
  hugg
  love hug
  pat smith

Your alternative for hug is not listed? Suggest!
Speaking about hug, one probably shouldn't forget about back rub.

Other search terms related to hug and their ratings are:
★★★★★ back rub
★★★ pat on back
★ kiss images
pat on the back
You have in mind a companion for hug and it is not yet here? Propose!



Google Trends

Scale is based on the average worldwide traffic of hug in all years. Click on graph for more.
hug
handshake
cuddle