as in sticky
tending to adhere to objects upon contact
walked barefoot through adhesive, clayey mud
Synonyms & Similar Words
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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
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Recent Examples of adhesive
Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 22 Dec. 2025
Start at the floor and attach the garland to the wall with double sided tape or adhesive strips.
—Grace Gallagher, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2025
Katelyn Richard, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026
The adhesive is not ideal for computer, phone, or television screens.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for adhesive
Adjective
IdentifyHer launched Peri, an adhesive wearable for tracking perimenopause symptoms, which was named a CES Innovation Award honoree.
—Alexa Mikhail, Flow Space, 22 Dec. 2025
Start at the floor and attach the garland to the wall with double sided tape or adhesive strips.
—Grace Gallagher, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2025
Noun
In large cities such as Los Angeles and New York City, there are enough volatile organic chemicals from consumer products – paints, adhesives and personal care products – in the outdoor air to rival those produced by traffic and industry.
—Katelyn Richard, The Conversation, 9 Jan. 2026
The adhesive is not ideal for computer, phone, or television screens.
—Mary Marlowe Leverette, The Spruce, 9 Jan. 2026
See All Example Sentences for adhesive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adhesive
Adjective
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From a nervous system perspective, this makes the pattern especially sticky.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
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The formula melts into the skin in seconds and doesn’t feel sticky or heavy.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
25 Jan. 2026
Noun
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While you might be inclined to take the less humane route to keep mice out—stocking up on traps, glues, essential oils, and other expensive (and often gruesome) killers—there are plenty of natural ways to repel mice worth trying, too.—
Kylie McConville,
The Spruce,
21 Jan. 2026
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Senior guard Ashley Waslo can be considered a glue player for Burlington Central.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
21 Jan. 2026
Adjective
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Europe’s regulatory environment and environmental standards could also pose a disproportionate burden for local farmers adherent to the laws, farmers have said.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
9 Jan. 2026
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This particular kit is well-stocked, featuring classic first aid essentials like non-adherent pads, gauze, triple antibiotic ointment and BZK antiseptic wipes.—
Jessie Quinn,
USA Today,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adhesive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adhesive. Accessed 30 Jan. 2026.
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