Synonyms of cling

cling 1 of 2

noun

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

• adhesion
• adherence
• bonding
• adhesiveness
• gluing
• glueing
• attachment
• tenacity
• cohesion
• clumping
• cementing
• agglutination
• cohesiveness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• loosening
• detachment
• unfixing
• unsticking

cling

2 of 2

verb

ˈkliŋ 

as in to adhere

to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion

a dozen magnets clinging to the refrigerator

Synonyms & Similar Words

• adhere
• stick
• cleave
• glue
• hew
• bind
• unite
• fasten
• cohere
• fuse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• fall
• loosen
• drop

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

Recent Examples of cling

Noun

Those attending the April 25 event can pick up yard signs, window clings and bumper stickers with the 988 number, according to the press release. —Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025

To simplify the cling wrap experience, start with the box. —Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025

Verb

Esther is the golden boot front-runner, after capturing the same award at Euro 2025, but Gotham is narrowly clinging to the final playoff place. —Emily Olsen, New York Times, 29 July 2025

But not if world leaders cling to legalism, technocratic governance, and the language of universal public goods. —Stacie E. Goddard, Foreign Affairs, 28 July 2025

Phrases Containing cling

• cling (to)