CLINGS (TO) Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

clings (to)

verb

present tense third-person singular of cling (to)

as in keeps (to)

to give steadfast support to continued to cling to the old ideas of child rearing long after they had gone out of fashion

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as in clutches

to have or keep in one's hands clung to a pole in the subway car to keep from falling as it lurched along

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Recent Examples of Synonyms for clings (to)

Verb

Holmes denies having said it, and the remark isn’t on the couple’s own recordings of the interviews in question, but, to their dismay, the article’s editor, after reviewing the journalist’s notes, stands by the reporting.

— Richard Brody, New Yorker, 9 Oct. 2026
Flock stands by the accuracy and integrity of its technology and intends to vigorously defend itself in this litigation.

— Karen Morfitt, CBS News, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of stands by

Verb

The office also defends the United States in civil cases and collects debts owed to the country.

— Rachel Roberts, Idaho Statesman, 7 Oct. 2026
Different views on the topic Hilton defends the ad as a humorous, provocative way to reach Californians who are dissatisfied with the state’s direction but might not ordinarily consider voting Republican.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 7 Oct. 2026

Definition of defends

Verb

The Mercyenforcer grips the handle of his light in his bare hand to look into my other eye.

— Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
New Orleans is facing an unusual weather combination as Tropical Storm Bertha moves along the northern Gulf Coast while dangerous heat grips the region.

— Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Definition of grips

Verb

As the comedy progresses, its buoyant tone clenches and darkens, and the plot bends and lurches, in ways that, to me, felt unnecessarily punitive toward both Haru and the audience.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
As the infection takes hold, a patient’s jaw clenches, forcing the face into what appears to be a wide smile, and the back muscles contort into a painful arch.

— Mustafa Fattah, NBC news, 24 Dec. 2025

Definition of clenches

Verb

The bar makes a perfectly balanced drink, and brunch holds its own with plenty of light and rib-sticking options alike (the steak and eggs were my favorite) and strong locally roasted coffee (both pour-over and espresso options).

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026
Brazil’s attorney general last week accused the US of undermining Brazilian democracy — a central theme for incumbent President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who holds a razor-thin polling lead over Flávio Bolsonaro.

— Eleanor Mueller, semafor.com, 5 Oct. 2026

Definition of holds

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clings (to)

cling (to)

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“Clings (to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clings%20%28to%29. Accessed 12 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of clings (to)

verb

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