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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 trap under a prep table with a slicer wasn’t cleared and contained five dead roaches. — David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 26 June 2026 Only Ghana have more, with eight players immortalised in adhesive glory yet nowhere to be seen in North America. — Duncan Alexander, New York Times, 14 June 2026

Noun

No adhesive, no leather, no apple pie! — Faith Salie, CBS News, 14 June 2026 Synthetic versions harden even more into a durable, heat-resistant material used in everything from adhesives and coatings to plastics and electronics. — Kevin Williams, CNBC, 7 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for adhesive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adhesive

Adjective

The metal shelving across from the ice machines had sticky accumulation.

— Veronica Fernandez-Alvarado July 17, Sacbee.com, 17 July 2026
To diagnose those sticky tasks and peddle its tools, Snap-on relies on thousands of franchisees, who make weekly visits to nearly a million neighborhood mechanics in custom company vans.

— Scott Horsley, NPR, 17 July 2026

Definition of sticky

Noun

Flies eluding the glue traps and the manager’s fancy fly swatter gathered on the cutting board (three), on a clean fying pan (one), on the trash can (three), and on the mop head and a wall (six).

— David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 17 July 2026
Fly Traps Fly traps, like hanging glue strips, are usually effective at capturing fruit flies.

— Shagun Khare, The Spruce, 16 July 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

Browse Nearby Words

adhesion

adhesive

adhesiveness

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“Adhesive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adhesive. Accessed 19 Jul. 2026.

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Synonyms of adhesive

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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