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
• attachment
• tenacity
• cohesion
• agglutination
• cementing
• clumping
• 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

The relaxed swing fit skims rather than clings, and the midi length works across dress codes. — Robin Raven, Travel + Leisure, 15 July 2026

The fabric feels cool against my skin and never sticks or clings, even on warmer nights. — Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 6 July 2026

Verb

Instead of opting for a matte formula, look for hydrating concealers with hyaluronic acid or ceramides that will layer onto skin smoothly and keep it hydrated throughout the day, without clinging to lines. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 15 Aug. 2026

Leisure readers as the best city hotel in Central and South America in the 2026 World’s Best Awards, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo is a landmark that clings to the edge of the historic district, with breathtaking views of the sea and skyline. — Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026

Phrases Containing cling

• cling (to)