Synonyms of adhere

adhere

verb

ad-ˈhir 

as in to cling

to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion

everyone started calling her "Cookie" when she was little and the name adhered

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cling
• stick
• glue
• cleave
• hew
• bind
• fasten
• unite
• fuse
• cohere

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fall
• loosen
• drop

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb adhere contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of adhere are cleave, cling, cohere, and stick. While all these words mean "to become closely attached," 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 adhere?

The synonyms cleave and adhere are sometimes interchangeable, but cleave stresses strength of attachment.

the wet shirt cleaved to his back

When might cling be a better fit than adhere?

In some situations, the words cling and adhere are roughly equivalent. However, cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils.

clinging to a capsized boat

When is cohere a more appropriate choice than adhere?

While in some cases nearly identical to adhere, cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass.

eggs will make the mixture cohere

When can stick be used instead of adhere?

The words stick and adhere can be used in similar contexts, but stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together.

couldn't get the label to stick

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of adhere

Though Ecco adheres by the principle that form follows function, its walking shoes are still mighty stylish. —Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 6 June 2026

Working one at a time, brush border of rounds with 1 large egg, beaten to blend, then fold and pleat dough up and over itself, right up to edges of filling, gently pressing to adhere. —Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 June 2026

Owners with at least 25 vehicles can get the special stickers and skip adhering registration tags on the plates each year, as the rest of us have to. —Jim Radcliffe, Oc Register, 29 May 2026

Add the remaining toast slices, pressing gently to adhere. —Midwest Living, 15 May 2026

Phrases Containing adhere

• adhere (to)