ADHESIVE Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

adhesive 1 of 2

adjective

ad-ˈhē-siv

Definition of adhesive

as in sticky

tending to adhere to objects upon contact walked barefoot through adhesive, clayey mud

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

adhesive

2 of 2

noun

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

Adjective

The adhesive lasts, holding your manicure in place for up to two weeks, according to our testers. — Elizabeth Siegel, Allure, 17 Sep. 2026 These weren’t just found in adhesive samples, but also in samples of paint and ground layers, suggesting that Egyptians chose their materials based on ready availability. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026

Noun

This jagged microscopic debris, easily dispersed by meteorite impacts and rocket exhaust, is corrosive, abrasive and adhesive. — Robin George Andrews, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026 The fixture can attach to any flat surface with stick-on adhesives in just seconds, so say goodbye to the days of dim bathroom lighting or cooking under gloomy overheads. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adhesive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adhesive

Adjective

Will Brantley, president of the Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, said sticky and chewy candies tend to cling to teeth, leaving behind sugary residue that can contribute to cavities.

— Nancy Badertscher, AJC.com, 21 Oct. 2026
Build up of sticky food residue on bottom of ice cream mix coolers and the floor in front of units.

— NWA Democrat-Gazette, Arkansas Online, 19 Oct. 2026

Definition of sticky

Noun

Sacramento County Health Inspectors gave a red placard to Wienerschnitzel in Natomas after finding 33 German cockroaches in various areas of the facility including on the floor beneath the ice machine and on three glue traps.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
The art of assemblage, a cobbling together of things with glue, glitter, and grit, became a way of life.

— Leslie Camhi, New Yorker, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of glue

Adjective

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
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

Definition of adherent

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adhesion

adhesive

adhesiveness

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Style

“Adhesive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adhesive. Accessed 27 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of adhesive

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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