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 adhereIn a statement to the Union-Tribune, Playwrights Project Executive Director Cecelia Kouma said that when her organization applied for a grant last year, it was carefully written to adhere with the NEA’s funding priorities at the time.—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2025 Add chicken and toss until evenly coated, pressing to adhere.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium until shimmering.—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2025 Or will they be required to adhere more closely to rules governing public schools?—Peter Greene, Forbes.com, 22 Apr. 2025 Drying too fast or too slow can affect how the paint adheres and compromise its longevity, resulting in premature failure.—Kamron Sanders, Better Homes & Gardens, 23 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adhere
Perhaps nastiest of all, though, are the human bacteria likely clinging to your seemingly new clothes.
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Betsy Cribb Watson,
Southern Living,
28 June 2025
Yet the team, buoyed by an uncanny ability to win at home and produce power whenever needed, is clinging to the top of the National League East standings like grim death.
Courts can’t stick their heads in the sand to an obvious way that a new technology might severely harm the incentive to create, just because the issue has not come up before.
—
ArsTechnica,
ArsTechnica,
26 June 2025
Resist the urge to stick exclusively with people from the same background who all see the world the same way.
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