clingy

adjective

ˈkliŋ-ē

clingier; clingiest

Synonyms of clingy next

: having the quality of clinging to someone or something: such as

: tending to adhere to a surface upon contact

a clingy plastic wrap

clingy fabrics/clothes

In her clingiest [=tightest-fitting] dress she swings into town and soon has the men howling.—

Peter Travers

: tending to stay very close to someone (such as a parent) for emotional support, protection, etc.

a clingy child

Some kids act out or become whiny to get a parent's attention; others become clingy or fearful.—

Leah Hennen

clinginess noun

disliked the fabric's clinginess

Any number of women I interviewed cited clinginess in a boyfriend as a major deal breaker. —

Liza Mundy

Examples of clingy in a Sentence

it took forever to clean up the clingy Styrofoam pellets that had been used as packing material for the lamp

Recent Examples on the Web

These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

The slightly oversized sweater is great for curling up for a nap, while the pants fit like a dream without being too clingy. —

Samantha Leal, Travel + Leisure, 8 Oct. 2024 The clingy black jersey halterneck gown features a sculptural silver neckpiece that recalls Elsa Peretti’s sumptuous sterling pieces for Tiffany & Co. —

Lilah Ramzi, Vogue, 4 Oct. 2024 Yet, many people hold back out of fear of seeming needy, clingy or insecure. —

Mark Travers, Forbes, 29 Sep. 2024 Brody’s Noah, meanwhile, is an honest-to-Jehovah rabbi who just split up with a clingy girlfriend and is facing heavy pressure from his parents to start a family already. —

Dave Nemetz, TVLine, 26 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for clingy