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

Before its sale, the bottle was reconditioned at the distillery; that bespoke label was re-adhered and the cork and capsule of the bottle replaced. —Brad Japhe, Forbes.com, 26 Jan. 2026

For example, the wild cucumber was used to adhere paint to rocks, treat skin infections such as ringworm, and as a fishing tool, Holton said. —Julie Gallant, San Diego Union-Tribune, 23 Jan. 2026

But rinsing also removes the starch water after the noodles are strained, which is what helps adhere sauce to noodles. —Kait Hanson, Southern Living, 17 Jan. 2026

Overall, Finaret wouldn’t recommend that her patients adhere strictly to the new guidelines, especially because of their emphasis on animal proteins and her concerns about relying too much on produce rather than whole grains for fiber. —Sarah Todd, STAT, 16 Jan. 2026

Phrases Containing adhere

• adhere (to)