CLINGING Synonyms: 14 Similar and Opposite Words

clinging

verb

present participle of cling

as in adhering

to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion a dozen magnets clinging to the refrigerator

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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 clinging Please pass some of that energy to the Braves, who are clinging to a thin divisional lead weeks before the postseason. — Aj Willingham, AJC.com, 25 Aug. 2026 The world’s next high-tech gold rush might start with a tiny organism clinging to a backyard rock. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 24 Aug. 2026 With her team clinging to a 1-point lead, Fiebich drew an and-1, giving the Liberty a 3-point advantage with under a minute to play. — Annie Costabile, New York Times, 23 Aug. 2026 At the landing zone, with bullets whipping and cracking around them, Capers—barely clinging to consciousness—refused to board the helicopter until every last man, and his dog’s body, was aboard. — Ethan Rocke, Charlotte Observer, 20 Aug. 2026 Kumar said people were clinging to trees and rescuers had to break through a home's roof to pull out two children and their parents. — ABC News, 18 Aug. 2026 Instead of opting for a matte formula, look for hydrating concealers with hyaluronic acid or ceramides that will layer onto skin smoothly and keep it hydrated throughout the day, without clinging to lines. — Alanna Martine Kilkeary, Glamour, 15 Aug. 2026 Before Wolverine can intervene, Trask shoots Essex, who’s left clinging to life. — Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 Aug. 2026 It’s capped off with a four- to five-hour hike to the Tiger’s Nest, a monastery dramatically clinging to a 9,678-foot cliff with unrivaled views. — Forbes Travel Guide, Forbes.com, 12 Aug. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clinging

Verb

Repeat guests begin wrapping their feet with tape and adhering gel pads to prevent blisters.

— Johanna Wolfe, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026
Unlike in Cutud, participants are mostly female faith healers adhering not to vows but to mystic trances and possession.

— H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 10 July 2026

Definition of adhering

Browse Nearby Words

cling

clinging

clinging (to)

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of clinging

verb

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

dissonant

Popular in Grammar & Usage

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Why does English have so many silent letters?

7 Pairs of Commonly Confused Words

Popular in Wordplay

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

Even More Bird Names that Sound Like Insults (and Sometimes Are)

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World

Popular

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Ye Olde Nincompoop: Old-Fashioned Words for 'Stupid'

14 Phobias You Probably Haven't Heard Of

Games & Quizzes