clinging

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 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 Before Wolverine can intervene, Trask shoots Essex, who’s left clinging to life. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026 It’s capped off with a four- to five-hour hike to the Tiger’s Nest, a monastery dramatically clinging to a 9,678-foot cliff with unrivaled views. Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026 Her video showed workers in green vests clinging to the upper portion of the structure during the collapse before eventually climbing down ladders to the ground. James Cirrone, FOXNews.com, 11 Aug. 2026 The stitched panels foretell Helaena's own suicide and depict Rhaenyra still clinging to the Iron Throne, powerful but brutal. Bryan Alexander, USA Today, 10 Aug. 2026 As the ribbon of asphalt climbs, clinging to rocky hillsides, the wall of trees falls away at times, revealing plunging canyons. Zoe Baillargeon, Travel + Leisure, 10 Aug. 2026 Our world is changing rapidly, and we are torn between adaptation, and clinging to the status quo. John Vaillant, Time, 8 Aug. 2026 Tears, clinging and nervousness are familiar scenes at kindergarten drop-off, and understanding kindergarten separation anxiety can make the difference between a bumpy morning and one that builds a child’s confidence. Ashley Lynch, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Aug. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinging
Verb
  • Unlike in Cutud, participants are mostly female faith healers adhering not to vows but to mystic trances and possession.
    H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 10 July 2026
  • Decorating rules can be helpful guidelines, but adhering too strictly to conventional wisdom can seriously cramp your style.
    Kristin Hohenadel, The Spruce, 23 June 2026
Verb
  • Small enough to be more cute than dangerous—but not worth sticking a finger in the water to test the theory.
    Heather Greenwood Davis, Condé Nast Traveler, 11 Aug. 2026
  • Florida Attorney General James Ulthmeier once again is grandstanding and sticking his nose into a national issue.
    Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 9 Aug. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Clinging.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clinging. Accessed 20 Aug. 2026.

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