stick 1 of 2

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

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stick

2 of 2

noun

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
Moving Rafaela clears room for Anthony to stick in the lineup. Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 Apr. 2025 Rhodes and Reigns had an epic fight, with Reigns sticking in it with the help of the Bloodline and Rhodes surviving purely based on his own toughness. John W. Dean, MSNBC Newsweek, 5 Apr. 2025
Noun
For heavier cleaning, Milligan recommends stick vacuums above all. Terri Williams, Architectural Digest, 25 Apr. 2025 Roku is trying to stand out from the competition by releasing two new TV streaming sticks that promise to be smaller and more power efficient than rival devices. Michael Kan, PC Magazine, 23 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for stick
Recent Examples of Synonyms for stick
Verb
  • Dredge both sides of chicken breasts with flour mixture, pressing to adhere, shake off any excess.
    Sarah Martens, Better Homes & Gardens, 9 Apr. 2025
  • Add chicken and toss until evenly coated, pressing to adhere. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in a 12-inch, oven-safe skillet over medium until shimmering, about 1 minute.
    Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 23 Mar. 2025
Verb
  • Both leaders tend to put their feet in their mouths.
    Judy Berman, Time, 23 Apr. 2025
  • The fest in the Czech spa town has earned a reputation as one of the biggest summer celebrations of film in Central Europe, putting the spotlight on new releases from the region and far beyond, along with highlights of the film festival circuit from the past year.
    Georg Szalai, HollywoodReporter, 23 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • The passenger who shot him was stabbed in the back and lungs and remains in critical condition, according to CBS News.
    Eric Lagatta, USA Today, 19 Apr. 2025
  • Police in Frisco on Thursday night responded to a gunshot call at a house where relatives of a 17-year-old boy who was stabbed to death at a track meet live.
    Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 18 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • For now, the researchers have left the ship in situ, partially covering it with original soil and squeezing wet sponges onto it to preserve moisture.
    Eli Wizevich, Smithsonian Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025
  • And kids of all ages are putting on their finest clothes, squeezing on their caps, and getting ready to walk across that stage.
    Melissa Willets, Parents, 29 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • The thinness also means that fingers are cramped too closely together, hovering over each Joy-Con's shoulder buttons and triggers as ersatz left and right mouse buttons but lacking enough clearance to use either properly.
    Matt Kamen, Wired News, 20 Apr. 2025
  • Police wrote in court documents that the man kept walking, but Lanks came up to him from behind, stuck his fingers into the man's right eye socket and pulled it out.
    Charlotte Phillipp, People.com, 20 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • As if lazy days on a boat and spaghetti with clams were somehow un-Tuscan.
    Lee Marshall, Travel + Leisure, 15 Apr. 2025
  • The Avs are happy as clams with Mackenzie Blackwood, who’s 28 and blocks out the sun.
    Sean Keeler, Denver Post, 10 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • Indeed, two years ago, Helen Hu decided to walk away from the beam for good.
    Maddie Hartley, Kansas City Star, 18 Apr. 2025
  • Femininity and French craftsmanship are on prominent display, with bespoke headboards made from Pierre Frey fabrics in every room, as well as murals from Atelier de Ricou, bird-like Lalique sconces, and restored wooden beams on the ceilings.
    Travel + Leisure Editors, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025
Noun
  • States make final push for Real ID Anticipating a surge of customers looking for Real IDs, several states have extended their DMV hours or set aside special appointment times for the final push before the deadline.
    Jeanine Santucci, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025
  • Daniel Farke’s side could not have been more convincing in their final push for the Premier League.
    Gregg Evans, New York Times, 22 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Stick.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/stick. Accessed 4 May. 2025.

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