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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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clings (to)

Verb

The Times stands by our journalism, and the president’s legal pleadings will not change that or deter further reporting.

— Ted Johnson, Deadline, 28 July 2026
Flores, however, stands by the district’s enrollment department’s ability to legitimize the transfer paperwork.

— Chris Hays, The Orlando Sentinel, 25 July 2026

Definition of stands by

Verb

For years, Guerin has held onto his veteran core like a grandmother clutches her third-generation pearls.

— Michael Russo, New York Times, 2 July 2026
In the midst of handing the job over to his son, even as Diego is making a speech about water supplies, hygiene and education, Don Alejandro snatches it back to cheers, clutches his heart and dies.

— Television Critic, Los Angeles Times, 30 June 2026

Definition of clutches

Verb

Sánchez defends court ruling EU leaders quickly pounced on Sánchez once videos from Ceuta went viral.

— Sam McNeil, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
Joseph left the agency last spring and now works as senior policy counsel at the Center for Gender and Refugee Studies, an advocacy and legal group that defends refugee rights.

— Ximena Bustillo, NPR, 30 July 2026

Definition of defends

Verb

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
Your makeup will only look as good as your base, and the hydrating formula leaves a beautiful, glowy canvas that grips onto foundation and prevents makeup from settling into fine lines.

— Reece Andavolgyi, InStyle, 8 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

Chan Gin Kai, founder and CEO of Silver Media Group, said Asia holds some of the richest histories, cultures and mythologies in the world, but many of these stories remain little known outside their home countries.

— Naman Ramachandran, Variety, 11 Aug. 2026
Craig represents the state's Second Congressional District and holds a significant cash advantage in the race.

— Aki Nace, CBS News, 11 Aug. 2026

Definition of holds

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clings

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 13 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of clings (to)

verb

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