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
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Recent Examples of adhereUse glue dots to adhere googly eyes and a cardstock beak to your eggs.—Annabelle Canela, Parents, 16 Apr. 2025 Vacuum: Vacuum robotic window cleaners use an intense suction to adhere themselves to the window.—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 11 Apr. 2025 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 See All Example Sentences for adhere
Cats demonstrating insecure attachment, by contrast, demonstrate signs of stress such as twitching their tail and licking their lips, and either staying away from their caregiver or clinging to them and not moving.
—
Jack Beresford,
MSNBC Newsweek,
9 May 2025
California State Parks staff found a live infestation of golden mussels clinging to a boat Tuesday during a screening at Beals Point.
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