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
Michelle Mastro,
The Spruce,
11 June 2026
Engineers have replicated this talent using specialized adhesive materials inspired by the microscopic structures found on gecko feet.
—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
1 June 2026
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
Adjective
This method is adhered to a glass pane using adhesive peel and stick backing.
—
Michelle Mastro,
The Spruce,
11 June 2026
Engineers have replicated this talent using specialized adhesive materials inspired by the microscopic structures found on gecko feet.
—
Atharva Gosavi,
Interesting Engineering,
1 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
-
Through the risk of lightning, sticky humidity and a winding line filled with thousands of chanting fans, Argentine fans flooded Bayfront Park with a sea of blue jerseys.
-
Smoke uncovered for an additional 30–45 minutes, allowing the glaze to caramelize into a sticky, lacquered finish.
Noun
-
The students claim that a total of about 300 kg (661 lb) of paper and about 60 kg (132 lb) of Vinavil Pro glue, partly mixed with water, went into the project.
-
If common national culture were the crucial glue for team cohesion, the USMNT would be in disarray.
Adjective
-
Europe’s regulatory environment and environmental standards could also pose a disproportionate burden for local farmers adherent to the laws, farmers have said.
-
This particular kit is well-stocked, featuring classic first aid essentials like non-adherent pads, gauze, triple antibiotic ointment and BZK antiseptic wipes.
Cite this Entry
“Adhesive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adhesive. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
