1
as in adhering
to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion
those magnets are strong enough to stick to the refrigerator without any problems
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in putting
to arrange something in a certain spot or position
you can stick that box in the corner until I figure out where to put everything
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stabbing
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object
could hardly feel the needle when the nurse stuck my arm with it
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in squeezing
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
she got stuck by an unscrupulous seller while using the online auction site
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Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sticking
Spray the rack with cooking spray to keep food from sticking.
—
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
The network quickly moved to censor a transgressive sitcom parody where soon-to-be-Ramones-manager Danny Fields tries to cure a TV repairman’s hemorrhoids by sticking a lightbulb up his ass.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2026
Hamnet from Focus Features is sticking at around 1,900 theaters and the distributor’s Song Sung Blue at about 1,100.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2026
After nearly a year of backroom blustering, the Playoff is sticking at 12 teams for now, lol.
—Jason Kirk, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026
This includes sticking their fingers or toys in outlets or pulling cords out of electrical outlets and putting them back in.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
The California native seemed charmed by the flurries, sticking her tongue out to catch a snowflake in midtown Manhattan.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026
Consume what creates a healthy energy level, enabling you to engage with the world thoughtfully without sticking your head in the sand.
—Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
Besides lessening the risk of falls, this can help prevent snow from sticking which will make shoveling easier the following day.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 15 Jan. 2026
Karen Brewer Grossman, Southern Living, 26 Jan. 2026
The network quickly moved to censor a transgressive sitcom parody where soon-to-be-Ramones-manager Danny Fields tries to cure a TV repairman’s hemorrhoids by sticking a lightbulb up his ass.
—Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 24 Jan. 2026
Hamnet from Focus Features is sticking at around 1,900 theaters and the distributor’s Song Sung Blue at about 1,100.
—Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 23 Jan. 2026
After nearly a year of backroom blustering, the Playoff is sticking at 12 teams for now, lol.
—Jason Kirk, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2026
This includes sticking their fingers or toys in outlets or pulling cords out of electrical outlets and putting them back in.
—Bestreviews, Chicago Tribune, 22 Jan. 2026
The California native seemed charmed by the flurries, sticking her tongue out to catch a snowflake in midtown Manhattan.
—Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 20 Jan. 2026
Consume what creates a healthy energy level, enabling you to engage with the world thoughtfully without sticking your head in the sand.
—Heather V. MacArthur, Forbes.com, 18 Jan. 2026
Besides lessening the risk of falls, this can help prevent snow from sticking which will make shoveling easier the following day.
—Caroline Lubinsky, Martha Stewart, 15 Jan. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sticking
Verb
-
The research team claimed that their innovation involves applying a specialized coating to critical components to prevent hydrogen bubbles from adhering, thereby enabling smoother hydrogen release.—
Prabhat Ranjan Mishra,
Interesting Engineering,
14 Dec. 2025
-
The results also highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, optimizing metabolic health and adhering closely to established cancer treatments and follow-up, according to the researchers.—
Melissa Rudy,
FOXNews.com,
14 Nov. 2025
Verb
-
That, and putting your people first, is what matters first and foremost; everything else follows after.—
Rachel Wells,
Forbes.com,
29 Jan. 2026
-
Washington — Federal Reserve officials convene this week at a pivotal moment in the US central bank’s 112-year history, with a series of historic events putting a spotlight on their ability to set interest rates without political interference.—
Bryan Mena,
CNN Money,
28 Jan. 2026
Verb
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These findings could be consistent with testimony from Peres Magalhães that Banfield manipulated the crime scene after stabbing his wife.—
Lauren del Valle,
CNN Money,
23 Jan. 2026
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After stabbing her, Redd is accused of taking her car and driving off.—
David Matthews,
New York Daily News,
23 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
Fresh spinach requires large quantities and multiple steps—blanching, shocking, and squeezing—just to yield a usable amount.—
Amber Love Bond,
Southern Living,
29 Jan. 2026
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The bus ended up completely packed, everyone squeezing together in their parkas like a bunch of marshmallows.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Add ½ cup heavy cream and cook, stirring occasionally, until cream reduces so all of sauce is clinging to fennel, about 5 minutes.—
Shilpa Uskokovic,
Bon Appetit Magazine,
27 Jan. 2026
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The wrap-design, complete with pleated detailing around the waist, hides the midsection and highlights your natural shape without clinging too much.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
26 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Courtney Janell Shaw, 47, was reportedly caught on camera placing multiple items on top of one another and scanning only one before exiting the store.—
Bonny Chu,
FOXNews.com,
29 Jan. 2026
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Our proximity to Silicon Valley is a meaningful advantage, placing Gantri at the intersection of design, art and technology and giving us access to world-class engineering and technical talent.—
Sofia Celeste,
Footwear News,
29 Jan. 2026
Verb
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From the costume-picking process to the crazy disguises stars must wear off camera, keep scrolling for the wildest rules contestants on The Masked Singer must follow.—
Skyler Caruso,
PEOPLE,
7 Jan. 2026
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Other photos show them on the sand with their arms around each other and sharing a kiss, with Tatum picking her up and holding her over his head at one point.—
Lori A Bashian,
FOXNews.com,
7 Jan. 2026
Verb
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Or plucking Tater Tots straight off the baking sheet and then wiping your hands on your pants.—
Alyssa Brandt,
New Yorker,
26 Jan. 2026
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Caitlin Looby Last August, Lauren Isbell dove around Mott Island Dock at Isle Royale National Park, plucking invasive zebra mussels from the lakebed – sometimes with her fingers, other times with a credit-card sized piece of plastic attached to a lanyard on her wrist.—
Caitlin Looby,
jsonline.com,
20 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sticking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sticking. Accessed 31 Jan. 2026.
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