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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Recent Examples of clingy
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
Styled as always by Brad Goreski, the actor’s ultra-sheer, clingy black lace dress featured a plunged neckline that almost reached her bellybutton, fastening with one delicate strap and clasp at the chest.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2025
On whale cams, clingy fish steal the show The marine scientist who recorded the accidental close-ups of the remoras’ high-speed whale surfing had placed suction-cup cameras on humpbacks during their annual migration from Antarctica to the waters off Australia’s Queensland state.
—CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clingy
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
Styled as always by Brad Goreski, the actor’s ultra-sheer, clingy black lace dress featured a plunged neckline that almost reached her bellybutton, fastening with one delicate strap and clasp at the chest.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2025
On whale cams, clingy fish steal the show The marine scientist who recorded the accidental close-ups of the remoras’ high-speed whale surfing had placed suction-cup cameras on humpbacks during their annual migration from Antarctica to the waters off Australia’s Queensland state.
—CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clingy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clingy
Adjective
-
Use a small adhesive dot, a tiny hook, or a pin to secure the key over the corresponding area on the map.—
Katie Cloyd,
Martha Stewart,
17 Jan. 2026
-
Use a tension curtain rod or one with adhesive mounts, curtain rings with clips, and a piece of fabric that fits the dimensions of the cabinet opening.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
11 Jan. 2026
Adjective
-
From a nervous system perspective, this makes the pattern especially sticky.—
Mark Travers,
Forbes.com,
26 Jan. 2026
-
The formula melts into the skin in seconds and doesn’t feel sticky or heavy.—
Alyssa Grabinski,
PEOPLE,
25 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clingy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clingy. Accessed 2 Feb. 2026.
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