cling 1 of 2

Definition of clingnext
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

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 sleek, smooth exterior clings close to my body, closer than any clothing or any body ever has. Literary Hub, 23 Feb. 2026 Even after multiple washes, sometimes that stubborn odor clings to the fabric, making the whole bed feel less than fresh. Farima Ferguson, The Spruce, 21 Feb. 2026
Verb
The smell was overwhelming, a nauseating mix of rotting food, burning plastic, chemicals and decay that clung to my clothes and skin. CNN Money, 15 Apr. 2026 The sticky, Midwestern soil clung to the iron. Tyler Jett, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cling
Noun
  • The resulting materials show properties including strength, flexibility and adhesion, while being produced without high-temperature or energy-intensive processing.
    Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 20 Apr. 2026
  • The adhesions led to Felicity-Jo developing a bowel obstruction.
    Becca Longmire, PEOPLE, 14 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • His quiet, confident witness since becoming pontiff in May had already reignited a spiritual light in me to adhere closer to the faith I was brought up in.
    Gustavo Arellano, Mercury News, 17 Apr. 2026
  • His quiet, confident witness since becoming pontiff in May had already reignited a spiritual light in me to adhere closer to the faith I was brought up in.
    Gustavo Arellano, Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Director Kat Coiro follows the romantic comedy formula to a T and makes no apologies for her strict adherence to convention.
    Adam Graham, Twin Cities, 16 Apr. 2026
  • Without widespread vaccine adherence, illnesses that were once eradicated can make a return.
    Sukhman Rekhi, Verywell Health, 13 Apr. 2026
Verb
  • One day after the fights, a toddler managed to crawl under a fence at Hersheypark's ZooAmerica and stick his hand into the wolf enclosure while his parents were reportedly distracted on their cell phones.
    Alexandra Simon, CBS News, 22 Apr. 2026
  • When a person breathes these particles, they can get stuck in the lungs and move into the bloodstream, causing irritation and inflammation.
    Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 22 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Since then, Carly has shared several sweet moments of her girls bonding.
    Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 21 Apr. 2026
  • Like the little brown-furred cub, the animals can easily capture a caretaker's heart — but bonding with humans is not an option when the goal is to eventually return them to the wild.
    ABC News, ABC News, 20 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.grautoblog.com/thesaurus/cling. Accessed 24 Apr. 2026.

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