STAPLE Synonyms: 151 Similar and Opposite Words

staple 1 of 2

noun

Definition of staple

as in bulk

the main or greater part of something as distinguished from its subordinate parts reading is the very staple of a person's education

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

staple

2 of 2

verb

as in to adhere

Related Words

Dissimilar 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 staple

Noun

Freaks List staple Nyck Harbor should be a beast at receiver. — Stewart Mandel, New York Times, 26 Aug. 2026 King’s team identified staple cacao alkaloids (naturally occurring organic compounds with at least one nitrogen atom) including theobromine, theophylline, and caffeine on the shards. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 26 Aug. 2026

Verb

Now, the complaints stem from the stagnancy of the lineup, particularly the top line, where Burakovsky has been stapled to Bedard’s right wing all season, even as he’s been mired in a slump of staggering proportions. — Mark Lazerus, New York Times, 21 Mar. 2026 These bathroom staples trap toothpaste drips and soap scum in seams and crevices. — Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 25 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for staple

Recent Examples of Synonyms for staple

Noun

Both lightweight and practical, the layering piece is designed to combat fall chill and rain without too much bulk.

— Emily Tannenbaum, Glamour, 20 Aug. 2026
To eliminate excess bulk, separate your medication into this slim yet spacious Fyy Travel Pill Organizer.

— Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 20 Aug. 2026

Definition of bulk

Verb

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

— Johanna Wolfe, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026
Existing homeowners in state responsibility and very high hazard zones will have up to five years to comply with Zone Zero, while new construction must adhere immediately.

— Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 19 Aug. 2026

Definition of adhere

Noun

At its core, Vermejo is a conservation laboratory developing the blueprint for rewilding in North America—the tourism element simply helps to fund it.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 29 Aug. 2026
To create objects with collapsibility as a core feature, Toyonaga’s team devised an analytic design algorithm allowing incremental construction of complex scissored surfaces.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of core

Noun

The eight-member body oversees McCuskey’s work and consists of four Democratic and four Republican legislators, including Keicher.

— Jeremy Gorner, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Rather than just a reproductive issue, endometriosis is a whole-body condition, affecting everything from emotional regulation to hormone production and gut health.

— Bella Webb, Vogue, 28 Aug. 2026

Definition of body

Verb

Center fielder Tristan Peters saw his franchise-record-tying streak of consecutive games with a home run end at five.

— LaMond Pope, Chicago Tribune, 29 Aug. 2026
Ryker Huther is tied for first with 66 for Circle Christian boys golf on the first day of the Titan Invitational.

— Steve Gorches, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Aug. 2026

Definition of tie

Verb

My husband recently screwed over his business partner by taking significantly more of the profit for himself.

— Harriette Cole, Mercury News, 26 Aug. 2026
The screwworm gets its name from the maggots’ habit of burrowing — or screwing — into a wound, according to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.

— Fabiola Sánchez, Fortune, 23 Aug. 2026

Definition of screw

Browse Nearby Words

stank up

staple

stapled

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

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

Copy Citation

Synonyms of staple

noun

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