1
as in to keep (to)
to give steadfast support to
continued to cling to the old ideas of child rearing long after they had gone out of fashion
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to grip
to have or keep in one's hands
clung to a pole in the subway car to keep from falling as it lurched along
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cling (to)
Verb
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The outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship moored off the western coast of Africa is gripping a world primed by recent painful experience to be on edge for the next Covid-19-like event.—
Helen Branswell,
STAT,
7 May 2026 -
As the name indicates, it was intended for wear on boats but wound up being widely adopted by skaters because its deck-gripping qualities proved just as useful for sticking to boards.—
Ian Servantes,
Footwear News,
6 May 2026
Verb
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Some defensive miscues and Pierce’s clutch two-run double in the sixth, though, tied it at 6-6.—
Paul Johnson,
Chicago Tribune,
7 May 2026
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The fluid was sold as replacement brake and clutch fluid and distributed through dealers and direct purchasers tied to General Motors and ACDelco supply channels.—
Anthony Thompson,
USA Today,
7 May 2026
Verb
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Participants alternately clenched their toes (rock), spread them apart (paper) and crossed the big toe over the others (scissors).—
Lindsey Leake,
NBC news,
29 Apr. 2026
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The two of them clench in the car, waiting to be let through the border.—
Rafaela Bassili,
Vulture,
13 Apr. 2026
Verb
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Trump nominates Cameron Hamilton to lead FEMA, a surprising comeback after the former Navy SEAL was fired last May for defending the agency’s existence amid calls to dismantle it.—
Gabriela Aoun Angueira,
Los Angeles Times,
12 May 2026
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And next Monday, the defending World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers will come to Petco Park.—
Dennis Lin,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Verb
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At the time of the wedding, several of Collins and Green's guests shared photos of the newlyweds smiling and holding hands while celebrating their nuptials.—
Caroline Blair,
PEOPLE,
13 May 2026
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The Golden Knights carried play for much of the first period, but Dostal stood tall in net to hold the Ducks in it.—
Eric Stephens,
New York Times,
13 May 2026
Verb
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Executives said the focus this year has been on grabbing the biggest audiences and on how artificial intelligence is improving data and outcomes.—
Lillian Rizzo,
CNBC,
11 May 2026
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Reid played a big role in the season-saving quarter as well, scoring six points, grabbing three boards and picking up two assists, including a no-look dish to Gobert for a dunk with three minutes to play.—
Jon Krawczynski,
New York Times,
11 May 2026
Verb
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Police on the scene noted that after firing those fatal shots, Myers stood by the body and made no attempt to perform life-saving measures.—
Chris Spargo,
PEOPLE,
11 May 2026
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The versatile actress stood by or understudied for the likes of Stockard Channing, Judi Dench, Jessica Lange, Marian Seldes, Blythe Danner and Jessica Lange during her long stage career.—
Mike Barnes,
HollywoodReporter,
11 May 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Cling (to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cling%20%28to%29. Accessed 14 May. 2026.
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