clinging

Definition of clingingnext
present participle of cling
as in adhering
to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion a dozen magnets clinging to the refrigerator

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 clinging The sound of children playing has given way to the rattle of helium balloons clinging to the memorial for 11-year-old QueenEr’Re Reed. Cameron Knight, Cincinnati Enquirer, 8 Mar. 2026 But at this stage of Porzingis’ career, with his medical record and dearth of games played, expecting a savior for a team clinging to the eighth seed is irresponsible. Joseph Dycus, Mercury News, 8 Mar. 2026 The hard truth is that clinging to the past and fearing the future cannot fix leaking roofs or flooding greens. Betty Resch, Sun Sentinel, 8 Mar. 2026 Another was clinging to a floating gas can, and two others were swimming for the shore. Delbert L. Chears, Outdoor Life, 5 Mar. 2026 Detailed images captured up close by the rover are now revealing bumpy, pea-sized nodules clinging to those ridges and nestled in the hollows between them. Ryan Brennan, Kansas City Star, 4 Mar. 2026 Everyone was looking for an edge, and that trumped clinging to old notions. Seth Emerson, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2026 His return comes at an opportune time, with the Panthers clinging to fading hopes of reaching the Stanley Cup playoffs to try to win a third consecutive title and with injuries still hampering the team. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 1 Mar. 2026 Unlike John Cornyn, who’s become a desperate shell of a man clinging to power, my campaign is not about attacking someone else’s family. Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 28 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinging
Verb
  • What researchers do know is that the sounds come from stick-slip friction—the regular cycles of two objects adhering and moving between one another.
    Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Feb. 2026
  • Homeowners should avoid painting the exterior of their home if the temperature or humidity is expected to fluctuate significantly, as this could leave bubbles or prevent the paint from adhering properly.
    Timothy Dale, Better Homes & Gardens, 28 Jan. 2026
Verb
  • While standard cast iron typically requires seasoning to both preserve and maintain its quality and help prevent food from sticking, this cast iron is equipped with a black matte satin interior enamel coating that’s made to resist cracking, chipping, and staining.
    Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 10 Mar. 2026
  • Hanson continued to cause problems for Christensen — now at Barcelona — by sticking diligently to his left flank duties, and Filipe Morais levelled the score 15 minutes from time.
    Richard Sutcliffe, New York Times, 8 Mar. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Clinging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinging. Accessed 14 Mar. 2026.

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