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
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of sticking
The coating forms a rough texture that prevents liquids from sticking.
—
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026
Velzeboer passed Sarault with three laps to go and held off challenges, sticking her right skate over the line and raising both arms aloft.
—ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
Do so by sticking a wood toothpick into the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
And Abbott is sticking his neck out for Hancock and Sheets.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
The youngest was sticking close to her.
—Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Some sounds could indicate structural changes, so keep an eye on wall cracks and look out for sticking doors and windows.
—Jessica Elliott, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
The goal was to give the family’s embryo—Guojun’s sperm and an anonymous donor’s egg—the best odds of sticking during the transfer, which was scheduled for July at Western Fertility Institute, a clinic in Los Angeles.
—Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
If your pan isn't lined, preheating can also naturally prevent sticking.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Feb. 2026
Velzeboer passed Sarault with three laps to go and held off challenges, sticking her right skate over the line and raising both arms aloft.
—ABC News, 16 Feb. 2026
Do so by sticking a wood toothpick into the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot.
—Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 16 Feb. 2026
And Abbott is sticking his neck out for Hancock and Sheets.
—John C. Moritz, Austin American Statesman, 15 Feb. 2026
The youngest was sticking close to her.
—Literary Hub, 13 Feb. 2026
Some sounds could indicate structural changes, so keep an eye on wall cracks and look out for sticking doors and windows.
—Jessica Elliott, Dallas Morning News, 10 Feb. 2026
The goal was to give the family’s embryo—Guojun’s sperm and an anonymous donor’s egg—the best odds of sticking during the transfer, which was scheduled for July at Western Fertility Institute, a clinic in Los Angeles.
—Ava Kofman, New Yorker, 9 Feb. 2026
If your pan isn't lined, preheating can also naturally prevent sticking.
—Katie Rosenhouse, Southern Living, 7 Feb. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sticking
Verb
-
Homeowners should avoid painting the exterior of their home if the temperature or humidity is expected to fluctuate significantly, as this could leave bubbles or prevent the paint from adhering properly.—
Timothy Dale,
Better Homes & Gardens,
28 Jan. 2026
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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
Verb
-
In 2024, girl group ILLIT became the first K-pop rookie group to enter the Billboard 100 with their debut single, putting a bigger spotlight on the talent platformed in these shows.—
Rebecca Cairns,
CNN Money,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Even with an already comfortable lead, Coronado’s attack kept putting shots on frame, logging two second-half goals.—
Clark Fahrenthold,
San Diego Union-Tribune,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Stevens pleaded guilty to second-degree murder for fatally stabbing his roommate, 39-year-old Gregory Schroeder, in October 2024 in a Northwest Boise home.—
Sally Krutzig,
Idaho Statesman,
20 Feb. 2026
-
Minneapolis police say a 51-year-old woman is in custody for stabbing a man overnight Wednesday near downtown.—
WCCO Staff,
CBS News,
18 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
The fall was aided by the cooling prices of gasoline, eggs, and beef, but rising costs for consumer goods like apparel, computers, and airfares suggest tariffs are still squeezing household budgets.—
Prashant Rao,
semafor.com,
16 Feb. 2026
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Instead, 2026 is about building both stylish and sensible outfits that can take you from the airport to the streets with maximum versatility without ever squeezing into tight, form-fitting fabric.—
Merrell Readman,
Travel + Leisure,
15 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Mix the shampoo with water like you would your usual cleaning solution, and mop away any grease or dirt clinging to your floors.—
Hallie Milstein,
Southern Living,
16 Feb. 2026
-
This is a case where the political class is simply wrong about where the country stands, clinging to an ideological position that their own constituents have rejected.—
Julian Baron,
Baltimore Sun,
16 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Sights are set on Aubrey Bracco Traders in prediction markets are placing all their bets behind one player.—
Anthony Robledo,
USA Today,
19 Feb. 2026
-
Still, the park will be maintaining active parking management and placing extra staff at key intersections during peak periods.—
Cecilio Padilla,
CBS News,
19 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
In episode 9, the duo was hard at work picking whom to murder and throwing off the faithfuls from discovering their traitor identities.—
Bebe Hodges,
Cincinnati Enquirer,
13 Feb. 2026
-
Not for a second did any draft people try to get cute and start talking about picking Dylan Harper or Ace Bailey or Edgecombe or Knueppel at the top.—
Zach Harper,
New York Times,
12 Feb. 2026
Verb
-
Broten remembers Pavelich plucking his guitar and singing Neil Young songs on bus rides.—
Stephen Whyno,
Twin Cities,
10 Feb. 2026
-
According to its website, Butcher & Singer is an homage to the glitz and class of 1940s Hollywood, reaching into the past, plucking the best and brightest aspects of a bygone era.—
Courtney Cherry,
CBS News,
6 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Sticking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sticking. Accessed 21 Feb. 2026.
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