STICK Synonyms: 219 Similar and Opposite Words

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

Some common synonyms of stick are adhere , cleave , cling , and cohere . While all these words mean "to become closely attached," stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together. // couldn't get the label to stick

Q: When would 'adhere' be a good substitute for 'stick'?

While in some cases nearly identical to stick , adhere is often interchangeable with stick but sometimes implies a growing together. // antibodies adhering to a virus

Q: When is 'cleave' a more appropriate choice than 'stick'?

While the synonyms cleave and stick are close in meaning, cleave stresses strength of attachment. // the wet shirt cleaved to his back

Q: In what contexts can 'cling' take the place of 'stick'?

The meanings of cling and stick largely overlap; however, cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils. // clinging to a capsized boat

Q: When might 'cohere' be a better fit than 'stick'?

In some situations, the words cohere and stick are roughly equivalent. However, cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass. // eggs will make the mixture cohere

stick 1 of 2

verb

Definition of stick next

as in to adhere

to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion those magnets are strong enough to stick to the refrigerator without any problems

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to put

to arrange something in a certain spot or position you can stick that box in the corner until I figure out where to put everything

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in to stab

to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object could hardly feel the needle when the nurse stuck my arm with it

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as in to squeeze

to rob by the use of trickery or threats she got stuck by an unscrupulous seller while using the online auction site

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stick

2 of 2

noun

as in finger

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as in clam

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

as in beam

Synonyms & Similar Words

as in stab

Synonyms & Similar Words

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb stick contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of stick are adhere, cleave, cling, and cohere. While all these words mean "to become closely attached," stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together.

couldn't get the label to stick

When would adhere be a good substitute for stick?

While in some cases nearly identical to stick, adhere is often interchangeable with stick but sometimes implies a growing together.

antibodies adhering to a virus

When is cleave a more appropriate choice than stick?

While the synonyms cleave and stick are close in meaning, cleave stresses strength of attachment.

the wet shirt cleaved to his back

In what contexts can cling take the place of stick?

The meanings of cling and stick largely overlap; however, cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils.

clinging to a capsized boat

When might cohere be a better fit than stick?

In some situations, the words cohere and stick are roughly equivalent. However, cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass.

eggs will make the mixture cohere

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 stick

Verb

But nothing ever seems to stick, and that's because no experiment has given any hint that quarks and leptons are composite particles. —

Paul Sutter, Space.com, 24 Dec. 2024 Apparently, the firing didn’t stick, as Perry has been present at several BKFC events and was in the ring with a mic on Saturday night to call out Lawler. —

Brian Mazique, Forbes, 22 Dec. 2024

Noun

The menu also has 12-inch subs (all $15), pastas (all $15 except the $20 lasagna), a build-your-own calzone ($15) and doughy appetizers such as garlic knots ($5) and mozzarella sticks ($8.99). —

Miguel Otárola, The Denver Post, 8 Jan. 2025 The Eufy 3-in-1 E20 has a unique design that transforms from an autonomous robovac to a manual stick or handheld vacuum by removing a unit containing the motor, dust bin, and battery and then attaching other cleaning accessories. —

Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 7 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for stick

Recent Examples of Synonyms for stick

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