as in glues
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
Relevance
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 adhesives
Coupled with a suite of PFAS-free process innovations—including water-repellent surface modification and adhesives—the membrane also preserves waterproof performance.
—
Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
Next, the team plans to expand the approach to other plastics, pair it with greener adhesives, and explore its potential for off-Earth construction, proving that what nature perfected in the ocean could help solve waste problems on Earth and beyond.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Aug. 2025
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
Asbestos was commonly used in building materials before the 1980s, particularly in linoleum backing and adhesives.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
This chemical is used in packaging, hot-melt adhesives, automotive components, and construction materials, because of its durability, flexibility, and adhesive properties.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2025
All of this noise is most likely the result of the boards on your wooden frame rubbing together and causing chemical adhesives (such as glues) to break down and create more friction than usual, says Skyler Dalley, PhD, mechanical engineer at Equilateral Product Innovations.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 27 Feb. 2025
That means the adhesives aren’t tested on animals.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Stretchy, thin, bright, water-resistant displays that stick to skin without adhesives are going to start appearing in coming years.
—IEEE Spectrum, 27 May 2021
Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 4 Sep. 2025
Next, the team plans to expand the approach to other plastics, pair it with greener adhesives, and explore its potential for off-Earth construction, proving that what nature perfected in the ocean could help solve waste problems on Earth and beyond.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Aug. 2025
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
Asbestos was commonly used in building materials before the 1980s, particularly in linoleum backing and adhesives.
—David Faris, Newsweek, 17 Mar. 2025
This chemical is used in packaging, hot-melt adhesives, automotive components, and construction materials, because of its durability, flexibility, and adhesive properties.
—Lori Ann Larocco, CNBC, 13 Mar. 2025
All of this noise is most likely the result of the boards on your wooden frame rubbing together and causing chemical adhesives (such as glues) to break down and create more friction than usual, says Skyler Dalley, PhD, mechanical engineer at Equilateral Product Innovations.
—Yelena Moroz Alpert, Architectural Digest, 27 Feb. 2025
That means the adhesives aren’t tested on animals.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 27 Feb. 2025
Stretchy, thin, bright, water-resistant displays that stick to skin without adhesives are going to start appearing in coming years.
—IEEE Spectrum, 27 May 2021
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adhesives
glues
Noun
-
The glues typically don’t hold well under a wet and salty surf.—
Andrea Tamayo,
Scientific American,
8 Aug. 2025
-
Hayes shares with me that the lash bond used to adhere their falsies to your lashes is a much healthier option, because its formula does not utilize common but toxic ingredients found in other lash glues or bonds.—
Essence,
Essence,
31 July 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adhesives.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adhesives. Accessed 11 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share