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

American parents, who can sometimes, though certainly not always, adhere rigidly to strict sleep-training schedules may miss out on this more flexible style of family life. —Katrina Donham, Parents, 25 Feb. 2026

What researchers do know is that the sounds come from stick-slip friction—the regular cycles of two objects adhering and moving between one another. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Feb. 2026

Dry chicken skin is also much easier to adhere seasonings to, as well as fat like butter. —Alana Al-Hatlani, Southern Living, 20 Feb. 2026

Working in batches, coat croquettes with cornmeal, turning and pressing to adhere. —Kate Bradshaw, Mercury News, 18 Feb. 2026

Phrases Containing adhere

• adhere (to)