cling 1 of 2

as in adhesion
a physical sticking to as if by glue for certain types of materials that plastic wrap has very little cling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cling

2 of 2

verb

as in to adhere
to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion a dozen magnets clinging to the refrigerator

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb cling contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cling are adhere, cleave, cohere, and stick. While all these words mean "to become closely attached," cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils.

clinging to a capsized boat

When can adhere be used instead of cling?

The words adhere and cling can be used in similar contexts, but 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 cling?

While in some cases nearly identical to cling, cleave stresses strength of attachment.

the wet shirt cleaved to his back

When could cohere be used to replace cling?

While the synonyms cohere and cling are close in meaning, cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass.

eggs will make the mixture cohere

Where would stick be a reasonable alternative to cling?

In some situations, the words stick and cling are roughly equivalent. However, 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 cling
Noun
Some items that would work well could be vinyl window clings, banners, or even a strand or two of lights that can be held by using mini suction cups. Eve Chen, USA TODAY, 11 Nov. 2024 The point of view has shifted but the temptation to speak in bulldozing generalizations—to dismiss entire populations as inherently backwards and violent—clings like a wet sock. Sara Holdren, Vulture, 18 June 2024
Verb
Be vigilant and hold the CIF accountable when trends develop but change is rejected because people want to cling to ways of the past. Eric Sondheimer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Jan. 2025 But those that cling to rigid hierarchies and outdated models? Alex Goryachev, Forbes, 16 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for cling 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cling
Noun
  • Remarking on the turbulence of the current news-media environment, Scarborough urged an adhesion to journalistic integrity.
    Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 13 Dec. 2024
  • Another surgery in November removed some adhesions to make the hole finally close.
    Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 5 Aug. 2024
Verb
  • Spread the mustard mixture over the fish; sprinkle with the panko mixture, pressing to adhere.
    Fox News, Fox News, 5 Jan. 2025
  • From online videos to social media platforms — and even a weekly Islamic State newsletter — the group that wants to force all Muslims to adhere strictly to the faith’s earliest teachings has a very modern media strategy.
    Alissa J. Rubin, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The Philippine government's use of PCG assets in this context aims not to provoke China, but to resolve differences through rational discussion and adherence to international law.
    Micah McCartney, Newsweek, 20 Jan. 2025
  • At the request of library Director Steve Bumgarner, Almon said the board voted Wednesday to remove the bulletin board, a space where members of the public could post community events in adherence with the library’s policies.
    Rose Evans, Idaho Statesman, 17 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Sometimes, the losses outweigh the gains, and that’s a signal to stick it out a bit longer.
    Nono Bokete, Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025
  • Snagging a deal on Woot is about being quick, as these deals don't stick for long, disappearing as soon as stock runs out (which is usually pretty quick).
    Gabriela Vatu, PCMAG, 23 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • Out of desperation and a need for social bonding, volunteers have banded together to help Altadena residents.
    Ken Bensinger, New York Times, 16 Jan. 2025
  • Expressing our grievances properly can be a way of bonding, which Chantelle, a hairdresser, knows from the customers who come through her salon to share their heartbreaks and insecurities.
    Amy Nicholson, Los Angeles Times, 9 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near cling

Cite this Entry

“Cling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cling. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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