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
This often came in the form of a clingy statement boot, including over-the-knee styles by brands like Vetements and Balenciaga.
—
Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 15 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for clingy
Jaden Thompson, Footwear News, 15 Jan. 2026
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
See All Example Sentences for clingy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clingy
Adjective
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These adhesive toe warmers offer up to eight hours of heat, so your feet can stay comfortable throughout your ski day.—
BestReviews,
Chicago Tribune,
3 Mar. 2026
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Short for Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, a TENS machine typically relies on adhesive skin pads that channel low-voltage current to zap muscles and deep tissue.—
Andrew Paul,
Popular Science,
26 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Taking an inventive approach can solve a sticky problem, while empathy keeps talks human and fair.—
Tarot.com,
Baltimore Sun,
3 Mar. 2026
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Use yellow sticky cards to monitor for pests.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
3 Mar. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clingy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clingy. Accessed 10 Mar. 2026.
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