stick 1 of 2

verb

Definition of sticknext
1
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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
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

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

stick

2 of 2

noun

1
as in finger

Synonyms & Similar Words
2
as in clam

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in beam

Synonyms & Similar Words
4
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

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 stick
Verb
Ukraine has said its ready for peace but a sticking point in talks has been the Russian annexation of Crimea. —Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025 Cut up old microfiber cloths and stick them under heavy plant pots. —Melissa Locker, Southern Living, 28 Apr. 2025
Noun
All in all, this cordless stick vacuum makes my weekly chore a bit less daunting, and that makes a big difference to me. —Stewart Savin, Architectural Digest, 20 May 2025 The latter will keep your stick vacuum standing upright, and is compatible with Dyson models including the V6, V7, V8, V10, V11, V12, V15, and G5. —Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 19 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for stick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stick
  1. adhere
  2. put
  3. stab
  4. squeeze
  5. finger
  6. clam
  7. beam
  8. push
Verb
  • Some agencies adhere closely to the reviewers’ numeric scores – like a grade – when making these decisions.
    — Kelly S. Mix, The Conversation, 22 May 2025
  • In a statement to the Union-Tribune, Playwrights Project Executive Director Cecelia Kouma said that when her organization applied for a grant last year, it was carefully written to adhere with the NEA’s funding priorities at the time.
    — Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2025
Definition of adhere
Verb
  • Trump was given 10 days to put the injunction into effect, per the order accompanying the ruling.
    — Chad de Guzman, Time, 30 May 2025
  • He was paid more than $550 million for less than three years with the club as the focal point of a new push to put the Saudi domestic league on the international map.
    — Scott Soshnick, Sportico.com, 29 May 2025
Definition of put
Verb
  • After slaughtering the other contenders and attacking students at the dance, Dan is unmasked after Lori stabs him in the eye with her crown.
    — Jane LaCroix, People.com, 24 May 2025
  • When Jayden tried to intervene, Brand stabbed him as well, according to prosecutors and state witnesses.
    — Madeline Buckley, Chicago Tribune, 23 May 2025
Definition of stab
Verb
  • Martinez’s son squeezed the trigger five times, shooting Rivera to death and wounding two others, the detective wrote in the affidavit.
    — Matthew Ormseth, Los Angeles Times, 24 May 2025
  • Umberto Rispoli squeezed between horses around the top of the stretch and then rode Journalism to a tremendous rally.
    — Baltimore Sun staff, Baltimore Sun, 24 May 2025
Definition of squeeze
Noun
  • The oldest of the three, wearing bracelets and rings on all fingers, held a framed photo of her mother dressed in an Army uniform.
    — Ruben Vives, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
  • While investors have their fingers crossed for a soft landing by the U.S. economy, how bad can things get if there is another recession?
    — Trefis Team, Forbes.com, 27 May 2025
Definition of finger
Noun
  • The sea lions, the clam chowder, the sunny weather and surfers all will be there.
    — Paul Rogers, Mercury News, 24 May 2025
  • But, of course, Flannery’s favorite look for Baby Billy is his clam costume.
    — Jessica M. Goldstein, Vulture, 4 May 2025
Definition of clam
Noun
  • Stewart quickly became a lineup staple on vault, bars, and beam in her freshman season for the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
    — Caroline Price, Forbes.com, 24 May 2025
  • One repeatedly wielded its intense beams of radiation at the other, dispersing gas clouds and weakening its opponent’s ability to form new stars.
    — Kameryn Griesser, CNN Money, 23 May 2025
Definition of beam
Noun
  • The demonstrations captured national attention and became a turning point in the push for LGBTQ civil rights.
    — Juliana Kim, NPR, 28 May 2025
  • The push for additional housing aid comes amid widespread cuts to FEMA and resistance from the Trump administration for disaster spending nationwide.
    — Liam Dillon, Los Angeles Times, 27 May 2025
Definition of push

Phrases Containing stick

Browse Nearby Words

stews
stick
stick around
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Cite this Entry

“Stick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stick. Accessed 3 Jun. 2025.

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More from Merriam-Webster on stick

Nglish: Translation of stick for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stick

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