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
Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025
The researchers wanted to make an adhesive device that would work for a wide range of applications, including maritime exploration or underwater manufacturing.
—Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Aug. 2025
Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Aug. 2025
Each one is covered in medical grade adhesive that’s designed to be gentle on your skin.
—Lauren Wingenroth, SELF, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adhesive
Adjective
Constructed from shatter-resistant plastic with adhesive rubber feet to attach to the bottom, the drawers are suitable for organizing just about anything, including cosmetics, snacks, pet food and treats, trinkets, laundry essentials, index cards, and more.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 13 Aug. 2025
The researchers wanted to make an adhesive device that would work for a wide range of applications, including maritime exploration or underwater manufacturing.
—Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Aug. 2025
Noun
Most adhesives can’t stick to wet surfaces because water and other fluids disrupt the adhesive’s bonding mechanisms.
—Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 9 Aug. 2025
Each one is covered in medical grade adhesive that’s designed to be gentle on your skin.
—Lauren Wingenroth, SELF, 4 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adhesive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adhesive
Adjective
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The tariffs also look to have driven up sticky inflation, with Trump pressuring Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell to cut rates, in great part to get the housing market moving again.—
Nick Lichtenberg,
Fortune,
5 Sep. 2025
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Soap/Shampoo Residue While soap and shampoo don't create dust themselves, their residue creates the perfect sticky place for dust particles to attach to.—
Ashlyn Needham,
Southern Living,
5 Sep. 2025
Noun
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The adhesive system carries enough glue for multiple attachments in one mission so the operator can relocate to a better spot if needed.—
David Hambling,
Forbes.com,
3 Sep. 2025
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Princess Catherine is happy to be part of the bigger picture, the glue of the royal family.—
Stephanie Nolasco,
FOXNews.com,
2 Sep. 2025
Adjective
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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
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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 9 Sep. 2025.
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