as in sticky
tending to adhere to objects upon contact
walked barefoot through adhesive, clayey mud
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in glue
a substance used to stick things together
prefers postage stamps coated with adhesive so that she doesn't have to do any licking
Synonyms & Similar Words
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 adhesive
Brian Evans, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2025
The researchers wanted to make an adhesive device that would work for a wide range of applications, including maritime exploration or underwater manufacturing.
—Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Aug. 2025
Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025
Most adhesives can’t stick to wet surfaces because water and other fluids disrupt the adhesive’s bonding mechanisms.
—Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adhesive
Adjective
The adhesive and coatings maker rallied more than 5% on better-than-expected earnings and revenue.
—Brian Evans, CNBC, 21 Aug. 2025
The researchers wanted to make an adhesive device that would work for a wide range of applications, including maritime exploration or underwater manufacturing.
—Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Aug. 2025
Noun
This reversible, pressure-sensitive adhesive has huge potential for medical use, such as wound dressings or surgical applications.
—Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 15 Aug. 2025
Most adhesives can’t stick to wet surfaces because water and other fluids disrupt the adhesive’s bonding mechanisms.
—Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adhesive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adhesive
Adjective
-
According to San Angelo, some signs of a dirty microwave filter include if they are discolored, sticky, and/or sometimes smell like grease.—
Daley Quinn,
Southern Living,
12 Sep. 2025
-
Sapodilla, a pear-like fruit that looks like a coconut, adds a malty butterscotch intensity to a sticky toffee pudding.—
The Bon Appétit Staff,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
12 Sep. 2025
Noun
-
The glue is also biodegradable, meaning the body absorbs it as the bone heals, so no second surgery is needed to remove implants.—
Christopher McFadden,
Interesting Engineering,
13 Sep. 2025
-
David is back in California, composing music for true-crime podcasts, while Nigel and Derek, who both live in England, run a cheese/guitar shop and a glue museum, respectively.—
Tim Lammers,
Forbes.com,
13 Sep. 2025
Adjective
-
At my organization, ICL, 75% of clients served by IMT have become stably housed by our teams and 67% are adherent with medication, with an additional 14% agreeing to try medication.—
Jody Rudin,
New York Daily News,
18 Jan. 2025
-
For example, in the HIV disease area, patients on single tablet regimens are more adherent and persistent than those on multiple tablet treatments.—
Joshua P. Cohen,
Forbes,
8 Oct. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Adhesive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adhesive. Accessed 17 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share