cling 1 of 2

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

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

cling

2 of 2

verb

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

Example 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
Those attending the April 25 event can pick up yard signs, window clings and bumper stickers with the 988 number, according to the press release. Aurora Beacon-News, Chicago Tribune, 14 Apr. 2025 To simplify the cling wrap experience, start with the box. Cody Godwin, USA TODAY, 24 Mar. 2025
Verb
Meanwhile, locals are clinging on to hope in regards to the missing persons, including the parents of the unaccounted for Camp Mystic children. Rebecca Schneid, Time, 6 July 2025 Rescuers have pulled residents from rooftops and found some survivors still clinging to trees. Susan Miller, USA Today, 6 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for cling
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cling
Noun
  • Gorges has also been studying the seeds' cellulose nano fibers, which—depending on the level of hydration—can exhibit either high or low friction or adhesion.
    ArsTechnica, ArsTechnica, 8 July 2025
  • Many of the affected genes have roles in key processes such as cell adhesion and migration, which are known to respond to mechanical forces.
    Simon Makin, Scientific American, 30 June 2025
Verb
  • Simply cut it to match the mat and adhere it with tape or glue.
    Kristina McGuirk, Better Homes & Gardens, 25 June 2025
  • In a final step, the mask was carefully aligned with and applied to the surface of the painting, then adhered in place with a thin spray coating of varnish.
    Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 15 June 2025
Noun
  • Solution: Compliance software ensures adherence to trade rules.
    Eric Youngstrom, Forbes.com, 7 July 2025
  • Yet experts say the persistent steps to raise output are part of long-term efforts to crowd out US shale companies as well as to maintain adherence to national quotas within the grouping, all while addressing US President Donald Trump’s calls for lower oil prices.
    semafor.com, semafor.com, 7 July 2025
Verb
  • 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.
    Pilar Melendez, NBC news, 10 July 2025
Noun
  • Robert Lane Johansen filed a federal lawsuit against several Nashville bail bonding and ankle monitoring companies on June 20.
    Kirsten Fiscus, Nashville Tennessean, 23 June 2025
  • Cynthia drops by for wine and bonding, followed by Porsha.
    Shelby Stewart, Essence, 22 June 2025

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cling. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.

More from Merriam-Webster on cling

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!