clingy

adjective

ˈkliŋ-ē How to pronounce clingy (audio)
Definition of clingynext
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

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 clingy There had been an embarrassing episode in Scotland, again on a golf course, in which Harp had made the gaffe of being overly clingy. — Doreen St. Félix, New Yorker, 22 Aug. 2026 As someone who gets bothered by a restricting, clingy sweater, a drapey short-sleeve pick like this one from Anthropologie is a must in my wardrobe. — Anna Traver, InStyle, 22 Aug. 2026 Others get quiet, clingy or suddenly complain of stomachaches and headaches. — Ashley Lynch, Sacbee.com, 7 Aug. 2026 Fabrics that have a dry hand are cooler and less clingy on the body. — Hannah Engler Harvey, Longreads, 30 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for clingy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clingy
  1. adhesive
  2. sticky
Adjective
  • Kits usually include multiple seeds and adhesive patches for self-application.
    — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 30 Oct. 2026
  • The sensor has a 90-degree horizontal and 50-degree vertical field of view and is powered by a single CR123A battery, which is included along with adhesive mounting pads and a user guide.
    — John R. Delaney, PC Magazine, 22 Oct. 2026
Definition of adhesive
Adjective
  • Unfortunately for us, those tenants have evolved a sticky knack for evading eviction, creating a webbing known as biofilm that prevents them from being easily licked or swallowed away.
    — Mike McRae, New Atlas, 4 Nov. 2026
  • Mosquito repellent patches or stickers, often marketed to parents of young children, claim less mess and more convenience than cumbersome, sticky insect repellent sprays and lotions.
    — Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Nov. 2026
Definition of sticky

Browse Nearby Words

cling (to)
clingy
clinic
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Clingy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clingy. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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