as in sticky
tending to adhere to objects upon contact
walked barefoot through adhesive, clayey mud
Synonyms & Similar Words
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
as in glue
a substance used to stick things together
prefers postage stamps coated with adhesive so that she doesn't have to do any licking
Synonyms & Similar Words
Example Sentences
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Recent Examples of adhesive
ABC News, 9 May 2026
The result is a material that transforms from a liquid to a solid in fractions of a second, to form adhesive strands that are both elastic and strong.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
The adhesive had hardened around the cat’s eyes and mouth, restricting his ability to breathe, eat and drink.
—Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for adhesive
Adjective
Two mounting options -- damage free adhesive or permanent hardware -- can be hung on any surface.
—ABC News, 9 May 2026
The result is a material that transforms from a liquid to a solid in fractions of a second, to form adhesive strands that are both elastic and strong.
—Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 9 May 2026
Noun
Beyond the shell fabric are waterproof membranes, adhesives, trims, zippers, cords and heat-transfer labels sourced from different suppliers, each with its own chemical and manufacturing considerations.
—Alexandra Harrell, Footwear News, 6 May 2026
The adhesive had hardened around the cat’s eyes and mouth, restricting his ability to breathe, eat and drink.
—Kyle Melnick, Washington Post, 3 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for adhesive
Recent Examples of Synonyms for adhesive
Adjective
-
Belonging to the same group of mammals as sloths and anteaters, armadillos are voracious insectivores that eat large numbers of beetles, grubs, ants, termites, and other insects, grabbing them with their sticky tongues.—
Arricca Elin SanSone,
Southern Living,
19 May 2026
-
If a creature is small enough to swallow and not spiny or sticky or otherwise resists Yoshi's tongue, it will be turned into a green egg that's the series standard.—
Will Greenwald,
PC Magazine,
19 May 2026
Noun
-
Sustainable method Building on their existing reversible packaging glue, the team has developed a new version that is electrically conductive for joining electronic components just like solder.—
Mrigakshi Dixit,
Interesting Engineering,
15 May 2026
-
These products include glue, shoe polish, paint thinner, aerosol sprays, gasoline and nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas.—
Katia Hetter,
CNN Money,
15 May 2026
Adjective
-
Europe’s regulatory environment and environmental standards could also pose a disproportionate burden for local farmers adherent to the laws, farmers have said.—
Kate Nishimura,
Sourcing Journal,
9 Jan. 2026
-
This particular kit is well-stocked, featuring classic first aid essentials like non-adherent pads, gauze, triple antibiotic ointment and BZK antiseptic wipes.—
Jessie Quinn,
USA Today,
15 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Adhesive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adhesive. Accessed 22 May. 2026.
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