cleaves

Definition of cleavesnext
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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 Where Hansen-Løve cleaves closely to her characters, Schanelec takes a step back, filming in long and middle distance shots. Sophie Monks Kaufman, IndieWire, 17 Feb. 2026 Consider the unending angst about the team’s former name, which still cleaves fans into opposing camps. David Aldridge, New York Times, 10 Nov. 2025 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
  • But one coach who adheres closely is Army’s Jeff Monken.
    Seth Emerson, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026
  • Painting indoors during the winter can be a productive way to refresh your space, but temperature and indoor conditions play a major role in how well the paint adheres and dries.
    Timothy Dale, The Spruce, 6 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • Hungary clings to Russian oil Hungary, along with neighboring Slovakia, have defied EU efforts to wean off Russian fossil fuels, and continued to purchase them despite Moscow’s invasion.
    Justin Spike, Los Angeles Times, 6 Mar. 2026
  • 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.
    Kirby Adams, Louisville Courier Journal, 18 Feb. 2026
Verb
  • If nothing sticks, the Dodgers are also not shy about spitting out the pitcher and designating him for assignment.
    Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Mar. 2026
  • The ball still sticks in his hands on offense.
    Dieter Kurtenbach, Mercury News, 2 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cleaves.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleaves. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.

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