cleave

as in to adhere
to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion you should resolutely cleave to the facts in your report

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb cleave contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cleave are adhere, cling, cohere, and stick. While all these words mean "to become closely attached," cleave stresses strength of attachment.

the wet shirt cleaved to his back

When might adhere be a better fit than cleave?

The words adhere and cleave can be used in similar contexts, but adhere is often interchangeable with stick but sometimes implies a growing together.

antibodies adhering to a virus

When is it sensible to use cling instead of cleave?

The meanings of cling and cleave largely overlap; however, cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils.

clinging to a capsized boat

When could cohere be used to replace cleave?

The words cohere and cleave are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass.

eggs will make the mixture cohere

Where would stick be a reasonable alternative to cleave?

While in some cases nearly identical to cleave, stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together.

couldn't get the label to stick

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleave
Verb
  • Spread the mustard mixture over the fish; sprinkle with the panko mixture, pressing to adhere.
    Fox News, Fox News, 5 Jan. 2025
  • From online videos to social media platforms — and even a weekly Islamic State newsletter — the group that wants to force all Muslims to adhere strictly to the faith’s earliest teachings has a very modern media strategy.
    Alissa J. Rubin, New York Times, 4 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Despite these setbacks, the opposition has clung to the belief that the election results, if made public, would prove González's landslide victory.
    Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 10 Jan. 2025
  • They’re muted, less sticky, so attention clings to them less.
    Oshan Jarow, Vox, 8 Jan. 2025
Verb
  • Historically, the Sooners’ have been renowned for their uncanny ability to stick landings on vault.
    Caroline Price, Forbes, 11 Jan. 2025
  • Because temperatures are below freezing in most areas, the snow could stick and reach as much as 2 inches or more in northern Mecklenburg County.
    Andrew Dys, Charlotte Observer, 10 Jan. 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Cite this Entry

“Cleave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleave. Accessed 21 Jan. 2025.

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