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
Cam Myers, Sourcing Journal, 28 Apr. 2025
First, soften and clean the resin in boiling water, then grind and stretch it into fabric-like sheets that become adhesive with heat.
—Gabriela Molina Riascos, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2025
David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
The bootstrapped company uses a patented adhesive that is sweat-resistant but water soluble and does not seep into fabrics.
—Ardian Wibisono, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for adhesive
Adjective
There is a significant opportunity to break that cycle by leveraging robotic assembly, digital adhesive technology, and automation to build a smarter, cleaner system from the ground up.
—Cam Myers, Sourcing Journal, 28 Apr. 2025
First, soften and clean the resin in boiling water, then grind and stretch it into fabric-like sheets that become adhesive with heat.
—Gabriela Molina Riascos, The Orlando Sentinel, 27 Apr. 2025
Noun
Asbestos was commonly used in building materials before the 1980s, particularly in linoleum backing and adhesives.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
The bootstrapped company uses a patented adhesive that is sweat-resistant but water soluble and does not seep into fabrics.
—Ardian Wibisono, Forbes.com, 14 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for adhesive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adhesive
Adjective
-
Neanderthals made and used wooden spears, cared for their fellow community members, made sticky tar and other adhesives, and butchered massive elephants, among other feats.—
Sarah Kuta,
Smithsonian Magazine,
2 June 2025
-
The unique gel texture sets into a lightweight veil that feels comfortable and stays put, so there’s no pillow staining or sticky residue.—
Marie Lodi,
Allure,
2 June 2025
Noun
-
Love was the glue that held everything together for the Class 1A state champions.—
Chris Hays,
The Orlando Sentinel,
5 June 2025
-
Additionally, there were nearly 100 dead or dying roaches in areas across the taco shop, including more than 50 inside a glue trap on the floor beneath the two door reach-in cooler.—
Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado,
Sacbee.com,
4 June 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 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share