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

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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 Scholz himself adhered at least in part to his typical low-key political style in responding to this episode. —

Laura King, Los Angeles Times, 20 Dec. 2024 Add sprinkles and chill before cutting: Top with sprinkles, pressing gently to adhere. —

Anna Theoktisto, Southern Living, 10 Dec. 2024 Follow the package instructions to adhere double-sided adhesive sheets to all felt sheets. —

Kathy Barnes, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Dec. 2024 The largest institutions have until April 2026 to adhere while smaller institutions have until April 2030. —

Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 23 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for adhere