CLINGS Synonyms: 13 Similar and Opposite Words

clings

verb

present tense third-person singular of cling

as in adheres

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

Synonyms & Similar Words

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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 clings All the while, oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz have virtually halted as Tehran clings to its leverage by threatening to strike any unauthorized oil tankers that attempt to transit the narrow waterway. — Reuters, NBC news, 22 Aug. 2026 Any empty feeling at Empty Sky Caution tape clings to a fence outside the memorial, which honors the 749 New Jersey residents killed on 9/11. — Adi Guajardo, CBS News, 19 Aug. 2026 Leisure readers as the best city hotel in Central and South America in the 2026 World’s Best Awards, Sofitel Legend Casco Viejo is a landmark that clings to the edge of the historic district, with breathtaking views of the sea and skyline. — Carley Rojas Avila, Travel + Leisure, 14 Aug. 2026 Season leader Shields comes in last, but still clings to the lead. — Todd Boss, Forbes.com, 10 Aug. 2026 Etna clings to a pre-war Edenic vision of his past to give himself purpose and destination. — Literary Hub, 5 Aug. 2026 Swirl in butter to create a silky sauce that clings to every noodle. — Torie Cox, Southern Living, 29 July 2026 Throughout his wanderings, the uxorious Odysseus clings to a little doll figure, intended to represent his wife (like the spinning top clutched by Leonardo DiCaprio in 'Inception'); the real woman is barely more interesting. — Edward Segarra, USA Today, 28 July 2026 The audience would also see the contrasting attitudes of Chiyoho, who clings to it, and Murashige, who turns his back on it. — Zachary Lee, IndieWire, 27 July 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for clings

Verb

Roll each dough ball in powdered sugar, rolling between your palms so that sugar adheres.

— Erin Merhar, Southern Living, 17 July 2026
This helps ensure the new grout adheres properly.

— Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026

Definition of adheres

Verb

Open for breakfast and lunch, the eatery sticks largely to the classics—think omelets, pancakes, eggs Benedict, and plenty of biscuits, best enjoyed smothered in gravy, of course.

— Lauren Dana Ellman, Travel + Leisure, 27 Aug. 2026
Suppose a teenager visiting a zoo breaks into a lion’s cage and sticks his head into the beast’s mouth.

— Bruce Fein, Baltimore Sun, 24 Aug. 2026