cleaves

present tense third-person singular of cleave
as in adheres
to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion you should resolutely cleave to the facts in your report

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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 cleaves The barrier not only separates two empires and ideologies, but cleaves the psyches of the characters themselves. Literary Hub, 16 June 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleaves
Verb
  • The new proposal adheres closely to the last ceasefire plan discussed before negotiations fell apart last month.
    Becky Anderson, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2025
Verb
  • As Helen plots revenge and Madeline clings to her rapidly fading star, their world is suddenly turned upside down by Viola Van Horn, a mysterious woman with a secret that’s to die for.
    Denise Petski, Deadline, 20 Oct. 2025
  • Frehley picks up on the drummer’s simmering syncopation hereand unleashes a banshee-like howl of a solo that still clings to the band’s rhythm.
    A.D. Amorosi, Variety, 17 Oct. 2025
Verb
  • With off-putting brusqueness, the acupuncturist sticks needles into my head and left leg, leaves the room—and appears to forget all about me.
    Lucinda Rosenfeld, New Yorker, 25 Oct. 2025
  • Robbie and Jayson have a furious battle, but Jayson sticks the fatal knife stab before fleeing.
    Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 13 Oct. 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cleaves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleaves. Accessed 28 Oct. 2025.

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