CLINGS (TO) Synonyms: 119 Similar and Opposite Words

clings (to)

verb

present tense third-person singular of cling (to)

as in keeps (to)

to give steadfast support to continued to cling to the old ideas of child rearing long after they had gone out of fashion

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as in clutches

to have or keep in one's hands clung to a pole in the subway car to keep from falling as it lurched along

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Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clings (to)

Verb

Holmes and her partner, Billy Evans, insist she was misquoted; the Times stands by its reporting.

— Andrew McGowan, Fortune, 26 Oct. 2026
This volume captures now-legendary stands by the likes of Miles Davis, Nina Simone, Aretha Franklin, Elvin Jones and Bill Evans.

— Hannah Edgar, Chicago Tribune, 22 Oct. 2026

Definition of stands by

Verb

The doctor wears a Star of David necklace and, in a pivotal scene in the show’s first season, clutches it while reciting the Shema, a central Jewish prayer, during an emotional crisis.

— Andrew Silow-Carroll, Sun Sentinel, 27 Oct. 2026
Anna practically clutches her pearls when asked to help the homeless.

— Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of clutches

Verb

The Mercyenforcer grips the handle of his light in his bare hand to look into my other eye.

— Carly Tagen-Dye, PEOPLE, 25 Aug. 2026
New Orleans is facing an unusual weather combination as Tropical Storm Bertha moves along the northern Gulf Coast while dangerous heat grips the region.

— Brandi D. Addison, USA Today, 22 July 2026

Definition of grips

Verb

As the comedy progresses, its buoyant tone clenches and darkens, and the plot bends and lurches, in ways that, to me, felt unnecessarily punitive toward both Haru and the audience.

— Justin Chang, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026
As the infection takes hold, a patient’s jaw clenches, forcing the face into what appears to be a wide smile, and the back muscles contort into a painful arch.

— Mustafa Fattah, NBC news, 24 Dec. 2025

Definition of clenches

Verb

There is a build up of dust on the chain that holds the cup dispenser suspended above the ice cream station.

— Arkansas Online, Arkansas Online, 26 Oct. 2026
One other consideration was the Dream’s primary home, Gateway Center Arena in College Park, which holds about 3,500.

— Rod Beard, AJC.com, 26 Oct. 2026

Definition of holds

Verb

Why the ridiculous prices are worth it Bob Baffert grabs a water out of a nearby cooler to keep the searing heat and humidity at bay.

— Dana O’Neil, CNN Money, 30 Oct. 2026
Illinois center Tomislav Ivišić grabs a rebound past UConn forward Jayden Ross during the first half of their Final Four game on April 4, 2026, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

— Steve Megargee, Chicago Tribune, 28 Oct. 2026

Definition of grabs

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clings (to)

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“Clings (to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clings%20%28to%29. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of clings (to)

verb

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