as in adhesive
tending to adhere to objects upon contact
it took forever to clean up the clingy Styrofoam pellets that had been used as packing material for the lamp
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Recent Examples of clingy
Kids who need more attention might be clingy and defiant—its important for parents to explore the root of those behaviors rather than jump right to punishment.
—
wendy Wisner, Parents, 13 Dec. 2025
For extra comfort, the quilt is designed to be cool to the touch for hot sleepers, resist static to prevent that annoying clingy sensation, and reduce noise when rustling around.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025
The breathable, ultra-soft viscose is lightweight yet durable, and the legs have a fit that never feels clingy — great for lounging and running errands.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
Styled as always by Brad Goreski, the actor’s ultra-sheer, clingy black lace dress featured a plunged neckline that almost reached her bellybutton, fastening with one delicate strap and clasp at the chest.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clingy
wendy Wisner, Parents, 13 Dec. 2025
For extra comfort, the quilt is designed to be cool to the touch for hot sleepers, resist static to prevent that annoying clingy sensation, and reduce noise when rustling around.
—Mariana Best, Better Homes & Gardens, 5 Dec. 2025
The breathable, ultra-soft viscose is lightweight yet durable, and the legs have a fit that never feels clingy — great for lounging and running errands.
—Toni Sutton, PEOPLE, 27 Nov. 2025
Styled as always by Brad Goreski, the actor’s ultra-sheer, clingy black lace dress featured a plunged neckline that almost reached her bellybutton, fastening with one delicate strap and clasp at the chest.
—Anna Cafolla, Vogue, 12 Nov. 2025
See All Example Sentences for clingy
Recent Examples of Synonyms for clingy
Adjective
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The romantic Netflix drama is set in London in the early 1800s, and while bandages existed, small adhesive bandages, like the one Araminta wore, didn't come around until later, a TikToker pointed out.—
Raechal Shewfelt,
Entertainment Weekly,
5 Feb. 2026
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During an initial ascent, athletes wear adhesive skins on the bottoms of their skis, which enable them to ski uphill.—
Mark Scaglione,
NBC news,
3 Feb. 2026
Adjective
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Inspect them for rust and any sticky residue which can be wiped away with WD-40 (which also help keep the hinges lubricated).—
Mary Marlowe Leverette,
The Spruce,
10 Feb. 2026
-
And inflation, while still sticky, has remained stable in recent months.—
Matt Richardson,
CBS News,
9 Feb. 2026
Cite this Entry
“Clingy.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/clingy. Accessed 16 Feb. 2026.
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