adhere

Definition of adherenext
as in to cling
to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion everyone started calling her "Cookie" when she was little and the name adhered

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb adhere contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of adhere are cleave, cling, cohere, and stick. While all these words mean "to become closely attached," adhere is often interchangeable with stick but sometimes implies a growing together.

antibodies adhering to a virus

In what contexts can cleave take the place of adhere?

The synonyms cleave and adhere are sometimes interchangeable, but cleave stresses strength of attachment.

the wet shirt cleaved to his back

When might cling be a better fit than adhere?

In some situations, the words cling and adhere are roughly equivalent. However, cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils.

clinging to a capsized boat

When is cohere a more appropriate choice than adhere?

While in some cases nearly identical to adhere, cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass.

eggs will make the mixture cohere

When can stick be used instead of adhere?

The words stick and adhere can be used in similar contexts, but stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together.

couldn't get the label to stick

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 adhere Cover with remaining bread rounds, mayonnaise sides down, pressing to adhere and allow any excess mayonnaise to squeeze out slightly past bread edges. Kimberly Holland, Southern Living, 15 June 2026 This helps ensure the new grout adheres properly. Jamie Cuccinelli, Martha Stewart, 10 June 2026 Though Ecco adheres by the principle that form follows function, its walking shoes are still mighty stylish. Kyra Surgent, InStyle, 6 June 2026 Working one at a time, brush border of rounds with 1 large egg, beaten to blend, then fold and pleat dough up and over itself, right up to edges of filling, gently pressing to adhere. Rebecca Firkser, Bon Appetit Magazine, 1 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for adhere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adhere
Verb
  • Traditionalism, or clinging to it, is already a political category.
    Merve Emre, New Yorker, 28 June 2026
  • Less than four hours earlier just four blocks away, a 22-year-old man was left clinging to life when he was shot in the neck.
    John Annese, New York Daily News, 28 June 2026
Verb
  • All of that oil stuck behind a barrage of missiles and sea lanes choked with mines led a number of respected oil analysts to predict that oil prices would surge as high as $150, or even $200 by the summer.
    David Goldman, CNN Money, 25 June 2026
  • Board-game groups on Meetup grew about 10% per year from 2021 to 2023, and the momentum has stuck well past lockdown.
    Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 24 June 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Adhere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adhere. Accessed 3 Jul. 2026.

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