How does the verb adhere contrast with its synonyms?
Some common synonyms of adhere are cleave, cling, cohere, and stick. While all these words mean "to become closely attached," 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 adhere?
The synonyms cleave and adhere are sometimes interchangeable, but cleave stresses strength of attachment.
the wet shirt cleaved to his back
When might cling be a better fit than adhere?
In some situations, the words cling and adhere are roughly equivalent. However, cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils.
clinging to a capsized boat
When is cohere a more appropriate choice than adhere?
While in some cases nearly identical to adhere, cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass.
eggs will make the mixture cohere
When can stick be used instead of adhere?
The words stick and adhere can be used in similar contexts, but stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together.
couldn't get the label to stick
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of adhereTo adhere it onto the overflow drain, run warm water against the suction cup side and press it firmly against the tub.—Stephanie Osmanski, Better Homes & Gardens, 26 May 2025 Some agencies adhere closely to the reviewers’ numeric scores – like a grade – when making these decisions.—Kelly S. Mix, The Conversation, 22 May 2025 In a statement to the Union-Tribune, Playwrights Project Executive Director Cecelia Kouma said that when her organization applied for a grant last year, it was carefully written to adhere with the NEA’s funding priorities at the time.—Pam Kragen, San Diego Union-Tribune, 18 May 2025 Add chicken and toss until evenly coated, pressing to adhere.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the oil in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium until shimmering.—Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for adhere
The sturdy, angled bristles swept cleanly across both indoor and outdoor surfaces, and none of the debris clung to them.
—
Melanie Fincher,
Southern Living,
10 July 2025
These relaxed shorts won’t cling to your skin on sweltering afternoons, while the sweat-wicking, stretchy material will work overtime to keep you cool.
Thompson will need to prove the most in this area to stick, as well.
—
Joe Buscaglia,
New York Times,
11 July 2025
The new websites offer a variety of information that appears to stick closely to generally accepted definitions and science around geoengineering and the government’s ongoing research on contrails.
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