adhere

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of adhere Use 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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adhere
Verb
  • 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.
    Daniel Hunt, Sacbee.com, 7 May 2025
Verb
  • Best Uses Due to their smooth, slippery surface, nonstick pans are ideal for delicate foods that are prone to sticking.
    Katelyn Squiers, Better Homes & Gardens, 11 May 2025
  • No calibration, no camera… just plug, stick, and go.
    Paul Lamkin, Forbes.com, 30 Apr. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Adhere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adhere. Accessed 22 May. 2025.

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