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

Example 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 warmth really helps the powdered sugar cling to cookies. Pam Lolley, Southern Living, 6 Dec. 2024 There is no drug that could equal the intoxicating power in the cling of a white undershirt or the angle of a throat straining for a kiss. Katie Walsh, Los Angeles Times, 27 Nov. 2024
Verb
The game was close throughout, with Piedmont clinging to a 55-51 lead heading to the fourth quarter. Darren Sabedra, The Mercury News, 23 Feb. 2025 Studies suggest that older people — who collectively lose over $28 billion to scams each year — are more likely to cling to initial impressions of trustworthiness, even when later behavior puts that trustworthiness into question. Kurt Knutsson, Cyberguy Report, Fox News, 22 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cling
Noun
  • The only definitive diagnostic method is laparoscopy, during which lesions can be removed and the disease staged based on the depth, location, and type of adhesions.
    Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025
  • Compared to base coats, which create a smooth, protective layer for polish, nail primers are the secret to making gel, acrylics, or dip nails last longer by boosting adhesion and preventing lifting.
    Iman Balagam, Vogue, 15 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • The story is told in the third person but adheres very closely to Paul’s perspective.
    Deborah Treisman, The New Yorker, 2 Mar. 2025
  • Sprinkle Filling evenly over Dough rectangle, pressing gently to adhere, leaving a 1-inch border on both long sides.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • This encourages adherence to your management practices and strengthens brand trust.
    Richard Lindhorn, Forbes, 19 Feb. 2025
  • The National Science Foundation — an independent federal agency that funds scientific research around the globe — has fired 168 probationary employees in adherence to orders from the White House, according to an agency spokesperson.
    Kate Gibson, CBS News, 18 Feb. 2025
Verb
  • Vivienne appeared to be having fun with her friend, as she was pictured laughing and sticking her tongue out.
    Effie Orfanides, Newsweek, 1 Mar. 2025
  • That means taking off your shoe and sock and checking for any sign of injury such as any tenderness, swelling, bruising, deformity, laceration or bones sticking through the skin.
    Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
Noun
  • Many fundamental aspects of teamwork—such as spontaneous collaboration, real-time feedback and informal bonding—are harder to cultivate in a virtual environment.
    Daria Rudnik, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025
  • Anyway, Anthony Hopkins plays an old man with a mysterious power bonding with a preteen boy, played warmly by the late Anton Yelchin.
    Tim Grierson, Vulture, 21 Feb. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cling. Accessed 10 Mar. 2025.

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