1
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
Example Sentences
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clings (to)
Verb
-
Mispelys Salazar clutches a stack of papers close to her chest as bristling wind gusts threaten to send them flying into the air.—
Catherine E. Shoichet,
CNN Money,
1 Dec. 2025 -
On the plane, Dick clutches the slingshot and begins sweating and muttering to himself before becoming unresponsive.—
Louis Peitzman,
Vulture,
10 Nov. 2025
Verb
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This shoe is also outfitted with a high-traction outsole that effectively grips the ground for a stable landing every time.—
Stephanie Osmanski,
Better Homes & Gardens,
14 Jan. 2026
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The bottom of the mat has a textured backing that grips the floor, keeping it in place and preventing slips and falls.—
Maggie Horton,
PEOPLE,
10 Jan. 2026
Verb
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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
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When the sky darkens, her stomach clenches.—
Alaa Elassar,
CNN Money,
1 Oct. 2025
Verb
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Associate commerce director Lori Keong stands by the notion that jewelry is a disappointment-proof gift.—
Audrey Lee,
Architectural Digest,
21 Jan. 2026
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And amazingly, LaFleur stands by his decision to kick a field to this day.—
Rob Reischel,
Forbes.com,
18 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Hampton University and a Master of Health Administration from Saint Louis University.—
Michael T. Nietzel,
Forbes.com,
23 Jan. 2026
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Sarah is a graduate of Ball State University and holds degrees in public relations and marketing.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Weaver, a 6-foot-3 senior, is the energizer defender who grabs rebounds, gets dirty on the court and scores the occasional hustle basket.—
Thomas Jones,
Austin American Statesman,
21 Jan. 2026
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In the clip, Annabeth (Leah Sava Jeffries) and Percy (Walker Scobell) are standing on the edge of the dance floor in what appears to be a school gymnasium when, all of a sudden, Annabeth takes a deep breath and grabs Percy’s hand, dragging him onto the dance floor.—
Katie Campione,
Deadline,
21 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Trump ally Johnson defends Arctic strategy to British lawmakers as tensions simmer.—
,
FOXNews.com,
20 Jan. 2026
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Electronic Frontier Foundation, which describes itself as a nonprofit that defends digital privacy, free speech and innovation, previously said the bill is too vague in defining what counts as negligence by a social media company and could result in broad censorship.—
Linh Tat,
Daily News,
13 Jan. 2026
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Cite this Entry
“Clings (to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clings%20%28to%29. Accessed 24 Jan. 2026.
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