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
Grace Gallagher, Better Homes & Gardens, 15 Dec. 2025
Reusable, adhesive light therapy patches that are designed to zero in on smaller problem areas, helping kick breakouts or discoloration to the curb (think a high-tech pimple patch).
—Stacia Datskovska, Footwear News, 12 Dec. 2025
Katie Cloyd, Martha Stewart, 29 Dec. 2025
This is similar to the principle of a Da Vinci bridge’s self-supporting structure, so the strips mutually support one another without the need for adhesives or additional binding components.
—Abhimanyu Ghoshal, New Atlas, 17 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for adhesive
Adjective
Start at the floor and attach the garland to the wall with double sided tape or adhesive strips.
—Noun
Prep and dry properly—remove laces, use mesh bags, choose mild detergent, and always air-dry to protect the structure and adhesives.
—Recent Examples of Synonyms for adhesive
Adjective
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Cramer said strong signs from forwarding holiday spending suggest inflation may remain sticky, setting up tension between a president eager to contain prices and consumers who have borne the brunt of inflation.—
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To keep a tension rod from slipping, look for rods that have rubber stoppers on the ends or that come with sticky wall brackets.—
Noun
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For this, a new kind of molecular glue was created.—
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Use waterproof containers to store paints, glues, markers, and ink.—
Adjective
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Europe’s regulatory environment and environmental standards could also pose a disproportionate burden for local farmers adherent to the laws, farmers have said.—
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This particular kit is well-stocked, featuring classic first aid essentials like non-adherent pads, gauze, triple antibiotic ointment and BZK antiseptic wipes.—
Cite this Entry
“Adhesive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adhesive. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.
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