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
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Recent Examples of adhereThe new proposal adheres closely to the last ceasefire plan discussed before negotiations fell apart last month.—Becky Anderson, CNN Money, 18 Aug. 2025 To illustrate the absurdity of adhering too closely to genre conventions, Galloway describes a plot about an innocent girl who winds up in a strange town.—Erik Pedersen, Oc Register, 7 Aug. 2025 As fiduciaries, trustees are charged with managing trust assets, making distributions according to the trust’s terms and adhering strictly to the grantor’s intent and the language in the trust agreement.—Royce Ramey, Forbes.com, 7 Aug. 2025 Hayes shares with me that the lash bond used to adhere their falsies to your lashes is a much healthier option, because its formula does not utilize common but toxic ingredients found in other lash glues or bonds.—Essence, 31 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for adhere
Companies clinging to this outdated model risk losing their best talent, hurting families of working parents, and ultimately harming their bottom line.
—
Liz Teran,
Fortune,
12 Sep. 2025
Meanwhile, Thielow’s camera captures her kids in tender moments, clinging to her or sometimes discombobulated by their mother’s absence.
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