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
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 To deactivate the cling, swipe a dryer sheet on the problem surface areas. Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2024
Verb
Against all odds, the insects had clung to life, their survival dependent on a single bush providing food and shelter. Scott Travers, Forbes, 6 Jan. 2025 The rebuild the Hawks tried to put behind them this season is clinging to them like stubborn lint. Phil Thompson, Chicago Tribune, 1 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for cling 
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cling
Noun
  • That experiment, plus a second round of tests, clearly demonstrated that backing does not increase adhesion relative to non-backing.
    Ars Technica, Ars Technica, 2 Jan. 2025
  • Laparoscopic surgery for endometriosis is a minimally invasive surgery in which a surgeon makes a small incision and removes endometriosis patches (lesions, adhesions, or scars).125 What Is Hormone Therapy?
    Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 4 Nov. 2024
Verb
  • 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
Noun
  • Finding Success with Human Values in the Digital Age Brandon’s philosophy and strict adherence to its principles demonstrate that a company can thrive off of timeless human values in an era of technology.
    William Mullane, USA TODAY, 8 Jan. 2025
  • Some companies may display certifications or seals from third-party organizations that support their adherence to CGMP standards.
    Adam Campbell-Schmitt, Bon Appétit, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Historically, the Sooners’ have been renowned for their uncanny ability to stick landings on vault.
    Caroline Price, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Because temperatures are below freezing in most areas, the snow could stick and reach as much as 2 inches or more in northern Mecklenburg County.
    Andrew Dys, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2025
Noun
  • The excursion was part of a week of workouts, dinners and bonding organized by veterans Jarrett Stidham and Courtland Sutton.
    Nick Kosmider, The Athletic, 10 Jan. 2025
  • Reducing Biden-era bonding requirements—particularly the offshore drilling bonding rule that threatens to saddle the industry with nearly $7 billion in obligations—would likewise free up capital.
    Dan Eberhart, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

Thesaurus Entries Near cling

Cite this Entry

“Cling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cling. Accessed 20 Jan. 2025.

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