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
As the humpback plunges back below the surface the remoras, also known as sucker fish, return to the whale, sticking their landings with the timing and precision of Olympic gymnasts.
—
CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Braid my hair at the top, sticking straight up.
—Stephanie Mansfield, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2025
The coup de grâce on all this is that Blake then leaves early, sticking the ladies with the check.
—Anne Victoria Clark, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
Grace Tucker sticking their necks out for more taxpayer dollars.
—Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 Oct. 2025
Ferrari already knew that taking the F140 V-12 out of the Enzo and sticking it in a front-engine GT gave it too much power.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2025
There, passers-by may have noticed Lindsey Vonn, wearing a silver fringe dress, sticking a sign in the mud off the interstate.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
Delay chose to pass up free agency at that point, instead sticking it out with Triple-A Gwinnett.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
And the cozy Walker's Point restaurant — plus cooking school, plus event space — has been going strong since, sticking strong to its mission to support local farmers in every season.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Braid my hair at the top, sticking straight up.
—Stephanie Mansfield, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2025
The coup de grâce on all this is that Blake then leaves early, sticking the ladies with the check.
—Anne Victoria Clark, Vulture, 29 Oct. 2025
Grace Tucker sticking their necks out for more taxpayer dollars.
—Grace Tucker, Cincinnati Enquirer, 29 Oct. 2025
Ferrari already knew that taking the F140 V-12 out of the Enzo and sticking it in a front-engine GT gave it too much power.
—Robert Ross, Robb Report, 28 Oct. 2025
There, passers-by may have noticed Lindsey Vonn, wearing a silver fringe dress, sticking a sign in the mud off the interstate.
—Sean Gregory, Time, 27 Oct. 2025
Delay chose to pass up free agency at that point, instead sticking it out with Triple-A Gwinnett.
—Jon Vankin, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025
And the cozy Walker's Point restaurant — plus cooking school, plus event space — has been going strong since, sticking strong to its mission to support local farmers in every season.
—Rachel Bernhard, jsonline.com, 22 Oct. 2025
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
-
Naval build-up China has built world’s largest navy, launching high-tech warships at a frenetic pace under Xi’s leadership, putting pressure on the United States and its Pacific allies to keep up.—
Brad Lendon,
CNN Money,
7 Nov. 2025
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Even calling it a magazine is a conscious way of trying to distinguish the work producers are putting months and months of effort into recording and writing from what podcasting has become.—
Literary Hub,
Literary Hub,
7 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Later that month, another jury said Rafael Andres should be sent back to Florida’s Death Row for beating, stabbing and strangling a La Carreta waitress with a rice cooker cord in 2005.—
Grethel Aguila,
Miami Herald,
7 Jan. 2026
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Cincinnati crime fell under the microscope after the viral brawl in July and the stabbing death of an Over-the-Rhine resident and business owner in his own home.—
Scott Wartman,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
6 Jan. 2026
Verb
-
The Bagail 6-piece Compression Packing Cube Set is just $19 and a game-changer for squeezing extra outfits into a carry-on.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
8 Nov. 2025
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To check for ripeness, start by squeezing the fruit—ripe mangos should give slightly under pressure without feeling overly soft or mushy.—
Katie Rosenhouse,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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Rather, Metropolitan evokes the youthful experience of being home, avoiding family, and clinging to friends during the holiday break, when responsibility remains over the horizon and your whole life is still ahead of you.—
Randall Colburn,
Entertainment Weekly,
8 Nov. 2025
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For pesky food bits clinging to the bottom of your pan, use coarse-ground salt to buff them off gently.—
Kaitlyn Yarborough,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
Verb
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The honor marks Woods’ first appearance on the First Team, placing him among an elite group of 24 boys and girls selected for their outstanding performance throughout the season.—
Julio Cesar Valdera Morales,
MSNBC Newsweek,
8 Nov. 2025
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Consider hand-washing or placing the most delicate black garments in a mesh washing bag to offer even more protection.—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
Southern Living,
8 Nov. 2025
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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Regime change, as it has been practiced and discussed in international politics, refers to something far more ambitious and far more consequential than plucking out a single leader.—
Andrew Latham,
Fortune,
8 Jan. 2026
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Regime change, as it has been practiced and discussed in international politics, refers to something far more ambitious and far more consequential than plucking out a single leader.—
Andrew Latham,
The Conversation,
6 Jan. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sticking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sticking. Accessed 10 Jan. 2026.
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