adhere

Definition of adherenext
as in to cling
to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion everyone started calling her "Cookie" when she was little and the name adhered

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

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

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 adhere Cover with remaining bread rounds, mayonnaise sides down, pressing to adhere and allow any excess mayonnaise to squeeze out slightly past bread edges. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 15 June 2026 This helps ensure the new grout adheres properly. Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026 Though Ecco adheres by the principle that form follows function, its walking shoes are still mighty stylish. Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 6 June 2026 Working one at a time, brush border of rounds with 1 large egg, beaten to blend, then fold and pleat dough up and over itself, right up to edges of filling, gently pressing to adhere. Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for adhere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adhere
Verb
  • While Top Gun had Cruise daringly fly and pilot fighter planes, Rogue Nation saw the actor cling onto one from the outside!
    Skyler Caruso, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • Washing blueberries removes dirt and toxins that may cling to the fruit during handling and transporting from farm to store.
    Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Their families clung to the shade of the trees on either side, where one woman had two American flags stuck through her ponytail.
    Jesse Bedayn, Los Angeles Times, 5 July 2026
  • That level of output convinced Vogt to stick him in the leadoff spot a little more than three weeks into his career and not look back.
    Zack Meisel, New York Times, 5 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adhere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adhere. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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