CLING Synonyms: 27 Similar and Opposite Words

Q: How does the verb 'cling' contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cling are adhere , cleave , cohere , and stick . While all these words mean "to become closely attached," cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils. // clinging to a capsized boat

Q: When can 'adhere' be used instead of 'cling'?

The words adhere and cling can be used in similar contexts, but adhere is often interchangeable with stick but sometimes implies a growing together. // antibodies adhering to a virus

Q: In what contexts can 'cleave' take the place of 'cling'?

While in some cases nearly identical to cling , cleave stresses strength of attachment. // the wet shirt cleaved to his back

Q: When could 'cohere' be used to replace 'cling'?

While the synonyms cohere and cling are close in meaning, cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass. // eggs will make the mixture cohere

Q: Where would 'stick' be a reasonable alternative to 'cling'?

In some situations, the words stick and cling are roughly equivalent. However, stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together. // couldn't get the label to stick

cling 1 of 2

noun

Definition of cling next

as in adhesion

a physical sticking to as if by glue for certain types of materials that plastic wrap has very little cling

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

unsticking

cling

2 of 2

verb

ˈkliŋ

as in to adhere

to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion a dozen magnets clinging to the refrigerator

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb cling contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cling are adhere, cleave, cohere, and stick. While all these words mean "to become closely attached," cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils.

clinging to a capsized boat

When can adhere be used instead of cling?

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

antibodies adhering to a virus

In what contexts can cleave take the place of cling?

While in some cases nearly identical to cling, cleave stresses strength of attachment.

the wet shirt cleaved to his back

When could cohere be used to replace cling?

While the synonyms cohere and cling are close in meaning, 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 cling?

In some situations, the words stick and cling are roughly equivalent. However, stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together.

couldn't get the label to stick

Examples Sentences

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.

Recent Examples of cling

Noun

The point of view has shifted but the temptation to speak in bulldozing generalizations—to dismiss entire populations as inherently backwards and violent—clings like a wet sock. —

Sara Holdren, Vulture, 18 June 2024 To deactivate the cling, swipe a dryer sheet on the problem surface areas. —

Meghan Overdeep, Southern Living, 25 Oct. 2024

Verb

Intel’s recent struggles highlight what happens when a company clings to outdated structures, hampering its ability to innovate and meet market demands. —

Jim Osman, Forbes, 8 Dec. 2024 With considerable help from Russia and Iran, Assad clung to power and held the major cities in a war where the fighting had largely subsided in recent years. —

Greg Myre, NPR, 8 Dec. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cling

Noun

Chefs and foodies already pay a premium for the large, hollow pyramids of Maldon sea salt, a shape preferred for its crunch, its intermittent bursts of saltiness, and its superior adhesion to baked goods.

Nicola Twilley, WIRED, 11 Feb. 2020
This knitting and printing technology eliminates the cut-and-sew as well as adhesion processes typical of shoemaking.

Alexandra Harrell, Sourcing Journal, 3 Sep. 2019