cling 1 of 2

as in adhesion
a physical sticking to as if by glue for certain types of materials that plastic wrap has very little cling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cling

2 of 2

verb

as in to adhere
to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion a dozen magnets clinging to the refrigerator

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb cling contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cling are adhere, cleave, cohere, and stick. While all these words mean "to become closely attached," cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils.

clinging to a capsized boat

When can adhere be used instead of cling?

The words adhere and cling can be used in similar contexts, but adhere is often interchangeable with stick but sometimes implies a growing together.

antibodies adhering to a virus

In what contexts can cleave take the place of cling?

While in some cases nearly identical to cling, cleave stresses strength of attachment.

the wet shirt cleaved to his back

When could cohere be used to replace cling?

While the synonyms cohere and cling are close in meaning, cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass.

eggs will make the mixture cohere

Where would stick be a reasonable alternative to cling?

In some situations, the words stick and cling are roughly equivalent. However, stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together.

couldn't get the label to stick

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 cling
Noun
To simplify the cling wrap experience, start with the box. Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025 This assemblage stays stuck to the body using electric forces known as van der Waals interactions—the same forces that help geckoes cling cling to walls. IEEE Spectrum, 16 Mar. 2015
Verb
The 100% linen material has natural breathability that flows with your body, rather than clinging to it. Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 June 2025 Here’s The Complete Rundown The way the child responds in this brief period of time (by crying, clinging, exploring or calming down quickly) offers observers invaluable insights into the security of the child’s attachment style. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 6 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for cling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cling
Noun
  • This model was printed at the 10-micron setting with a 2-second layer exposure and a 100-second bottom layer time to ensure a good first layer adhesion.
    PC Magazine, PC Magazine, 8 June 2025
  • This scientific relevance has shown that when present in the right form and concentration, PAC from cranberry juice extract is one of the best forms not just of minimizing adhesion of current bacteria but of preventing future adhesion, as well.
    Rhiannon Frater, USA Today, 3 June 2025
Verb
  • Yet period style still adheres, the timbres pungent rather than plush.
    Alex Ross, New Yorker, 23 June 2025
  • Resting the shrimp before frying gives the breading the chance to adhere.
    Kia Damon, Southern Living, 2 June 2025
Noun
  • Far from being mere amenities, these elements are essential for reducing stress, improving treatment adherence and contributing to faster, more complete recovery.
    Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025
  • What are the requirements to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader? Being a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader requires strict adherence to a series of rules.
    Maddie Garfinkle, People.com, 18 June 2025
Verb
  • Jeannot didn’t stick in Tampa and has never come close to matching that one wild season, in part because his opportunity, both with the Lightning and the Kings, plummeted.
    Jonas Siegel, New York Times, 17 June 2025
  • And while other candidates have brought up the allegations and hit at Cuomo's record, no one attack seems to be sticking, and polling shows that Cuomo remains the front-runner.
    Oren Oppenheim, ABC News, 4 June 2025
Noun
  • There’s a difference between being open and emotionally dumping in the name of bonding.
    Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 27 June 2025
  • Once a year at Vanderbilt University, current and former tight ends gather for three days of bonding, collaboration and learning from one another.
    Christie D’Zurilla, Los Angeles Times, 25 June 2025

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Cite this Entry

“Cling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cling. Accessed 30 Jun. 2025.

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