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
Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
This method works especially well for fresh detergent spills and adhesive residue left behind from labels or tape.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 17 May 2026
Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 25 May 2026
Unlike clip- and tape-ins, these are pre-bonded strands that use partial keratin — a protein already found in the hair — as an adhesive.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for adhesive
Adjective
The team also demonstrated that recycled proteins could be repurposed into adhesive hydrogels before being recycled again into fibers or gels, extending the material’s possible applications beyond textiles.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 18 May 2026
This method works especially well for fresh detergent spills and adhesive residue left behind from labels or tape.
—Jessica Safavimehr, Southern Living, 17 May 2026
Noun
The product is widely used to manufacture a range of shatter-resistant acrylic materials such as Plexiglas, as well as resins, coatings and adhesives.
—Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today, 25 May 2026
Unlike clip- and tape-ins, these are pre-bonded strands that use partial keratin — a protein already found in the hair — as an adhesive.
—Kaleigh Werner, Footwear News, 19 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for adhesive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adhesive
Adjective
-
But when rains fall heavily between November and April, sticky clay soils make traveling around it tricky.—
Condé Nast,
Condé Nast Traveler,
2 June 2026
-
One non-stick skillet for delicate foods (eggs, omelets, fish) and sticky batters (pancakes).—
Ryan Brennan
June 2,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
2 June 2026
Noun
-
Eventually one of RevMed’s chemistry teams came up with a way to use the glue concept to block all forms of the bad protein.—
Bloomberg,
Oc Register,
29 May 2026
-
The Science of Glue Molecular glues work in a fundamentally different way from other oral medicines.—
Bloomberg,
Mercury News,
29 May 2026
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
Cite this Entry
“Adhesive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adhesive. Accessed 5 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
