STICK Synonyms: 219 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'stick' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stick are adhere , cleave , cling , and cohere . While all these words mean "to become closely attached," stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together. // couldn't get the label to stick

Q: When would 'adhere' be a good substitute for 'stick'?

While in some cases nearly identical to stick , adhere is often interchangeable with stick but sometimes implies a growing together. // antibodies adhering to a virus

Q: When is 'cleave' a more appropriate choice than 'stick'?

While the synonyms cleave and stick are close in meaning, cleave stresses strength of attachment. // the wet shirt cleaved to his back

Q: In what contexts can 'cling' take the place of 'stick'?

The meanings of cling and stick largely overlap; however, cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils. // clinging to a capsized boat

Q: When might 'cohere' be a better fit than 'stick'?

In some situations, the words cohere and stick are roughly equivalent. However, cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass. // eggs will make the mixture cohere

stick 1 of 2

verb

Definition of stick next

as in to adhere

to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion those magnets are strong enough to stick to the refrigerator without any problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to put

to arrange something in a certain spot or position you can stick that box in the corner until I figure out where to put everything

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to stab

to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object could hardly feel the needle when the nurse stuck my arm with it

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as in to squeeze

to rob by the use of trickery or threats she got stuck by an unscrupulous seller while using the online auction site

Synonyms & Similar Words

stick

2 of 2

noun

as in finger

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as in clam

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in beam

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in stab

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb stick contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stick are adhere, cleave, cling, and cohere. While all these words mean "to become closely attached," stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together.

couldn't get the label to stick

When would adhere be a good substitute for stick?

While in some cases nearly identical to stick, adhere is often interchangeable with stick but sometimes implies a growing together.

antibodies adhering to a virus

When is cleave a more appropriate choice than stick?

While the synonyms cleave and stick are close in meaning, cleave stresses strength of attachment.

the wet shirt cleaved to his back

In what contexts can cling take the place of stick?

The meanings of cling and stick largely overlap; however, cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils.

clinging to a capsized boat

When might cohere be a better fit than stick?

In some situations, the words cohere and stick are roughly equivalent. However, cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass.

eggs will make the mixture cohere

Examples 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 stick

Verb

There are so many bizarre and dramatic moments in the story that largely wash over the viewer, because none of the plot twists tend to stick—every problem is resolved almost immediately. —

Dani Di Placido, Forbes, 2 Oct. 2024 So too is the complex admixture of tones that, by the end of the evening, results in laughs that stick in the throat. —

Daniel D'addario, Variety, 2 Oct. 2024

Noun

Pumice Stones, Magic Erasers, or Dryer Sheets Ceramic or porcelain sinks, tubs, toilets, and tiles (along with their grout) can be cleaned with a pumice stone, or scouring stick. —

Mary Cornetta, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Nov. 2024 High-performance mechanical switches or potentiometer sticks still perform incredibly well, and some budget Hall effect peripherals will still cheap out on materials, quality control, and manufacturing tolerances. —

Henri Robbins, WIRED, 4 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for stick

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stick

Verb

This traditionalist vision of the Dad TV show is rooted in the concept of a specific viewer (an actual dad) and revolves around a core set of values to which that viewership adheres.

Kathryn VanArendonk, Vulture, 26 Sep. 2024
The conjunction within that nauseating offer discloses the conservative thinking that adheres these two cat controversies.

Lauren Michele Jackson, The New Yorker, 19 Sep. 2024