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

After letting the chicken marinate, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing to ensure that the chicken is evenly coated and the flour is adhering securely. —Jessica Fields, Essence, 28 Feb. 2025

Even with dialysis, dietary restrictions need to be adhered to.27 Kidney Transplant Although dialysis can help manage the symptoms of ESRD over the long term, a kidney transplant remains the preferred treatment option. —Robert Burakoff, Verywell Health, 26 Feb. 2025

To use them, simply adhere foil to one side of a sticker, pull it off, and the color instantly transfers onto the foam. —Emily Hochberg, Parents, 17 Jan. 2025

To avoid these potentially destabilizing effects, military leaders will need to explain what the country stands to lose if the military devotes excess time, resources, and attention to domestic operations and fails to adhere carefully to the laws of war. —Risa Brooks, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2025

Phrases Containing adhere

• adhere (to)