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
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
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
as in adhesive
tending to adhere to objects upon contact
it took forever to clean up the clingy Styrofoam pellets that had been used as packing material for the lamp
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
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Recent Examples of cling
Patrick Mercier, IEEE Spectrum, 18 June 2020
Beneath the ocean’s surface, abalone cling to the seabed with a strong, foot-like appendage and dwell in radiant shells to stay safe from predators.
—Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
An anti-static finish keeps the fabric from clinging mid-flight, while a flat front waistband smooths and flatters.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025
EW.com, 23 Mar. 2025
The film offers glimpses of some old Mickeys – Nos. 12 through 16 die in vaccine trials during a zippy montage ― while others are mentioned in passing: No. 6 is the annoying and clingy one.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cling
Noun
Something stretchy like nylon or cling wrap would be much better.
—Patrick Mercier, IEEE Spectrum, 18 June 2020
Beneath the ocean’s surface, abalone cling to the seabed with a strong, foot-like appendage and dwell in radiant shells to stay safe from predators.
—Grant Stringer, The Mercury News, 3 Feb. 2025
Verb
Much like their Liverpool counterparts, Manchester United’s fans have clung to their history in dark moments.
—Oliver Kay, New York Times, 23 Apr. 2025
An anti-static finish keeps the fabric from clinging mid-flight, while a flat front waistband smooths and flatters.
—Rosie Marder, Travel + Leisure, 16 Apr. 2025
Adjective
Dressed by her regular collaborator Azzedine Alaïa in a series of clingy, hooded ensembles, the legendary model-musician looked unlike any Bond girl that came before her, but spoke to the spirit of her era perhaps better than any other had.
—EW.com, 23 Mar. 2025
The film offers glimpses of some old Mickeys – Nos. 12 through 16 die in vaccine trials during a zippy montage ― while others are mentioned in passing: No. 6 is the annoying and clingy one.
—Brian Truitt, USA TODAY, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cling
Noun
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Moreover, integrin β1 is seen to strengthen cell-substrate adhesions in fibroblasts, potentially offering an explanation for the thicker stress fibers seen in older cells.—
Matt Robison,
Newsweek,
18 Feb. 2025
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These products might restore the paint's adhesion properties.—
Nafeesah Allen,
Better Homes & Gardens,
13 Mar. 2025
Adjective
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Phone grips have been around for a while, popularized by PopSockets, but the ones in this guide attach via magnets instead of an adhesive or a clamp.—
Brenda Stolyar,
Wired News,
6 Apr. 2025
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At the same time, improving the adhesive strips in the iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max.—
Janhoi McGregor,
Forbes,
5 Mar. 2025
Noun
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Yet so often what happens…the balance is lost as the ideas of the visions are dismissed completely, buried under the obligation to create strict adherence to the now.—
Jayson Jenks,
New York Times,
26 Apr. 2025
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For example, prominently showcasing relevant industry product certifications can help reinforce your adherence to industry standards.—
Dmitriy Schwarzburg,
Forbes.com,
25 Apr. 2025
Adjective
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Vionic Kimmie Sneakers $130 $60 at Amazon These Vionic sneakers have perforated suede leather uppers that provide maximum airflow to keep your feet cool on hot, sticky afternoons.—
Amelia McBride,
Travel + Leisure,
28 Apr. 2025
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Rakestraw was excellent in training camp last year, showing a knack for the ball, sticky coverage and physicality in the run game.—
Colton Pouncy,
New York Times,
28 Apr. 2025
Noun
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There was optimism about a bonding deal after a meeting between Gov. Tim Walz and key leaders of both parties in the House and Senate on April 10.—
Alex Derosier,
Twin Cities,
20 Apr. 2025
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In Maryland, the state bonding authority, or debt management system, involves several entities and programs that facilitate the issuance and management of bonds for various purposes.—
Sherry Greenfield,
Baltimore Sun,
19 Apr. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Cling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cling. Accessed 5 May. 2025.
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