ADHERE Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of adhere are cleave , cling , cohere , and stick . While all these words mean "to become closely attached," adhere is often interchangeable with stick but sometimes implies a growing together. // antibodies adhering to a virus

Q: In what contexts can 'cleave' take the place of 'adhere'?

The synonyms cleave and adhere are sometimes interchangeable, but cleave stresses strength of attachment. // the wet shirt cleaved to his back

Q: When might 'cling' be a better fit than 'adhere'?

In some situations, the words cling and adhere are roughly equivalent. However, cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils. // clinging to a capsized boat

Q: When is 'cohere' a more appropriate choice than 'adhere'?

While in some cases nearly identical to adhere , cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass. // eggs will make the mixture cohere

Q: When can 'stick' be used instead of 'adhere'?

The words stick and adhere can be used in similar contexts, but stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together. // couldn't get the label to stick

adhere

verb

ad-ˈhir

Definition of adhere next

as in to cling

to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion everyone started calling her "Cookie" when she was little and the name adhered

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb adhere contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of adhere are cleave, cling, cohere, and stick. While all these words mean "to become closely attached," adhere is often interchangeable with stick but sometimes implies a growing together.

antibodies adhering to a virus

In what contexts can cleave take the place of adhere?

The synonyms cleave and adhere are sometimes interchangeable, but cleave stresses strength of attachment.

the wet shirt cleaved to his back

When might cling be a better fit than adhere?

In some situations, the words cling and adhere are roughly equivalent. However, cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils.

clinging to a capsized boat

When is cohere a more appropriate choice than adhere?

While in some cases nearly identical to adhere, cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass.

eggs will make the mixture cohere

When can stick be used instead of adhere?

The words stick and adhere can be used in similar contexts, but stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together.

couldn't get the label to stick

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 adhere Dredge both sides in panko mixture, pressing to adhere. —

Liv Dansky, Southern Living, 17 Oct. 2024 Our experienced development team adheres strictly to and completes all regulatory processes for project approvals. —

Eric Cortellessa, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024 Then apply quick-setting glue along the pumpkin’s natural ribs to adhere the trim. —

Ella Field, Better Homes & Gardens, 7 Oct. 2024 While neither film has adhered absolutely to the Batman source material, a child version of Bruce Wayne (who, in the comics and films, goes on to become the caped superhero) appeared in the first movie, albeit at least four decades younger than Arthur. —

Joey Nolfi, EW.com, 5 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adhere