as in adhesive
tending to adhere to objects upon contact
it took forever to clean up the clingy Styrofoam pellets that had been used as packing material for the lamp
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of clingy
Using a clingy liner can help keep gear in place.
—
Bridget Reed Morawski, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026
Kids who need more attention might be clingy and defiant—its important for parents to explore the root of those behaviors rather than jump right to punishment.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 13 Dec. 2025
For extra comfort, the quilt is designed to be cool to the touch for hot sleepers, resist static to prevent that annoying clingy sensation, and reduce noise when rustling around.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025
The breathable, ultra-soft viscose is lightweight yet durable, and the legs have a fit that never feels clingy — great for lounging and running errands.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clingy
Bridget Reed Morawski, Architectural Digest, 7 Jan. 2026
Kids who need more attention might be clingy and defiant—its important for parents to explore the root of those behaviors rather than jump right to punishment.
—wendy Wisner, Parents, 13 Dec. 2025
For extra comfort, the quilt is designed to be cool to the touch for hot sleepers, resist static to prevent that annoying clingy sensation, and reduce noise when rustling around.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025
The breathable, ultra-soft viscose is lightweight yet durable, and the legs have a fit that never feels clingy — great for lounging and running errands.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clingy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clingy
Adjective
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Michael Silva-Nash, president of Molly Maid, details how to easily remove any adhesive residue.—
Rae Ford,
Martha Stewart,
19 Feb. 2026
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The romantic Netflix drama is set in London in the early 1800s, and while bandages existed, small adhesive bandages, like the one Araminta wore, didn't come around until later, a TikToker pointed out.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Neighbor disputes can be sticky, and the one between Fort Worth, Aledo and Willow Park is no exception.—
Matthew Adams,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
17 Feb. 2026
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Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide Even with regular cleaning, the grids on a waffle maker will develop an oily, sticky residue after a period of time.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
15 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clingy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clingy. Accessed 22 Feb. 2026.
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