ADHESIVE Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

adhesive 1 of 2

adjective

ad-ˈhē-siv

Definition of adhesive

as in sticky

tending to adhere to objects upon contact walked barefoot through adhesive, clayey mud

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

adhesive

2 of 2

noun

as in glue

a substance used to stick things together prefers postage stamps coated with adhesive so that she doesn't have to do any licking

Synonyms & Similar Words

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 adhesive

Adjective

If the lining is glued into the bag, never saturate it, because moisture could loosen the adhesive and migrate to the exterior, requiring professional repairs. — Olivia McIntosh, Martha Stewart, 17 Aug. 2026 From sticky tack to adhesive strips, there are plenty of tried-and-true renter-friendly ways to hang your art. — Amelia Mularz, Architectural Digest, 14 Aug. 2026

Noun

With other phones, even something simple like replacing an aging battery often requires melting adhesive, prying apart fragile glass panels, and decoupling cables. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 18 Aug. 2026 Company scientist Arthur Fry used the policy in 1974 to turn a colleague’s dormant adhesive into the first Post-it prototypes, after his own bookmarks kept falling out of his hymnal. — IEEE Spectrum, 17 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adhesive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adhesive

Adjective

And with oil prices showing no sign of returning to pre-Iran war levels this year, pressure is increasing on the Fed to combat that sticky inflation by raising interest rates at its next policy-setting meeting in September.

— Brian Cheung, NBC news, 28 Aug. 2026
The non-sticky finish adds a subtle shine, and nourishing ingredients like mango seed oil, shea butter, and hyaluronic acid keep lips feeling smooth and hydrated.

— Conçetta Ciarlo, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of sticky

Noun

Beginning in 1989, oil and acrylic paints gave way to olive oil, henna, tea, spices, and coffee, while animal glue, mud, and leather also shaped the group’s posters, paintings, and mixed-media assemblages.

— Tessa Solomon, ARTnews.com, 25 Aug. 2026
Each of them is at times the hot one, the funny one, and the chaos agent, and Issa is all of those things at once as well as the glue.

— Emily Gould, Vulture, 24 Aug. 2026

Definition of glue

Adjective

Europe’s regulatory environment and environmental standards could also pose a disproportionate burden for local farmers adherent to the laws, farmers have said.

— Kate Nishimura, Sourcing Journal, 9 Jan. 2026
This particular kit is well-stocked, featuring classic first aid essentials like non-adherent pads, gauze, triple antibiotic ointment and BZK antiseptic wipes.

— Jessie Quinn, USA Today, 15 Oct. 2025

Definition of adherent

Browse Nearby Words

adhesion

adhesive

adhesiveness

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“Adhesive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adhesive. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Synonyms of adhesive

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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Cite this Entry

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