ADHESIVE Synonyms: 33 Similar and Opposite Words

adhesive 1 of 2

adjective

ad-ˈhē-siv

Definition of adhesive

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

adhesive

2 of 2

noun

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

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 adhesive

Adjective

Once a certain shape is cut all the way around, peel off the backing of the adhesive sheet and place a piece of scrap fabric over the shape. — Claire Hoppe Norgaard, Better Homes & Gardens, 22 July 2026 This plant climbs by tendrils with adhesive disks, so use with caution around delicate surfaces. — Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 12 July 2026

Noun

Like warm water, heat from a blowdryer releases the sticker’s adhesive for an easy way to remove it from the glass surface. — Ashlyn Needham, Southern Living, 6 Aug. 2026 Initially, the adhesive adhering to the tiles would dry so quickly that workers would spit on it to slow the process down, a practice NASA identified and discontinued. — Jim Edwards, Fortune, 5 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adhesive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adhesive

Adjective

No pomp, no circumstance, no celebrity— this is the sticky ground floor of the nation’s country music scene.

— Jacqueline Kehoe, Midwest Living, 19 Aug. 2026
Glazed baby back ribs, satisfyingly sticky and spiced with gochujang, come smothered with melting mozzarella for crazy long cheese pulls on Chicago-style, falling-off-the-bone pork.

— Louisa Kung Liu Chu, Chicago Tribune, 18 Aug. 2026

Definition of sticky

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

Definition of adherent

Browse Nearby Words

adhesion

adhesive

adhesiveness

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Style

“Adhesive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adhesive. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

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Synonyms of adhesive

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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Cite this Entry

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