1
as in adhering
to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion
those magnets are strong enough to stick to the refrigerator without any problems
Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in putting
to arrange something in a certain spot or position
you can stick that box in the corner until I figure out where to put everything
Synonyms & Similar Words
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
3
as in stabbing
to penetrate or hold (something) with a pointed object
could hardly feel the needle when the nurse stuck my arm with it
Synonyms & Similar Words
4
as in squeezing
to rob by the use of trickery or threats
she got stuck by an unscrupulous seller while using the online auction site
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 sticking
Toronto switches, sticking Sandro Mamukelashvili on Sexton.
—
Fred Katz, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2026
In the process, Tony becomes somewhat of an antihero by sticking it to corporate America.
—Randy Myers, Mercury News, 8 Jan. 2026
But the ball is sticking at rates the team hasn’t seen since last season.
—Kristian Winfield, New York Daily News, 8 Jan. 2026
Cast-iron skillets can come enameled to prevent food from sticking, but the ones our grandmas swear by will always be non-enameled and seasoned with years of love to get that gorgeous, glossy finish.
—Alicia Geigel, Southern Living, 7 Jan. 2026
Creators Matt and Ross Duffer put much care into sticking the landing after a decade and five seasons (the last of which released in three parts over the 2025 holidays).
—Jackie Strause, HollywoodReporter, 7 Jan. 2026
Check on the stew every 15 to 20 minutes, stirring and scraping the bottom of the pot to prevent scorching or sticking.
—The Washington Post, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 Jan. 2026
As the humpback plunges back below the surface the remoras, also known as sucker fish, return to the whale, sticking their landings with the timing and precision of Olympic gymnasts.
—CNN Money, 8 Nov. 2025
Braid my hair at the top, sticking straight up.
—Stephanie Mansfield, Vogue, 2 Nov. 2025
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sticking
Verb
-
The research team claimed that their innovation involves applying a specialized coating to critical components to prevent hydrogen bubbles from adhering, thereby enabling smoother hydrogen release.—
-
The results also highlight the importance of maintaining a healthy weight, optimizing metabolic health and adhering closely to established cancer treatments and follow-up, according to the researchers.—
Verb
-
Lance Strait is one of hundreds of people whose car was damaged after putting gas at a King Soopers gas station in Parker earlier this week.—
-
Or, Allen could solidify his elite status by putting the team on his back much the same way that Jags fan did with Lawrence at a bar.—
Verb
-
Later that month, another jury said Rafael Andres should be sent back to Florida’s Death Row for beating, stabbing and strangling a La Carreta waitress with a rice cooker cord in 2005.—
-
Cincinnati crime fell under the microscope after the viral brawl in July and the stabbing death of an Over-the-Rhine resident and business owner in his own home.—
Verb
-
The Bagail 6-piece Compression Packing Cube Set is just $19 and a game-changer for squeezing extra outfits into a carry-on.—
-
To check for ripeness, start by squeezing the fruit—ripe mangos should give slightly under pressure without feeling overly soft or mushy.—
Verb
-
Rather, Metropolitan evokes the youthful experience of being home, avoiding family, and clinging to friends during the holiday break, when responsibility remains over the horizon and your whole life is still ahead of you.—
-
For pesky food bits clinging to the bottom of your pan, use coarse-ground salt to buff them off gently.—
Verb
-
Kalra grew up in Ontario and worked as a criminal defense lawyer before moving to Shetland and placing her passion for textile arts at the center of her life.—
-
Kim reaches for the tea tray, removing the cups and saucers and placing a dozen or more items in an irregular arrangement.—
Verb
-
From the costume-picking process to the crazy disguises stars must wear off camera, keep scrolling for the wildest rules contestants on The Masked Singer must follow.—
-
Other photos show them on the sand with their arms around each other and sharing a kiss, with Tatum picking her up and holding her over his head at one point.—
Verb
-
Regime change, as it has been practiced and discussed in international politics, refers to something far more ambitious and far more consequential than plucking out a single leader.—
-
Regime change, as it has been practiced and discussed in international politics, refers to something far more ambitious and far more consequential than plucking out a single leader.—
Cite this Entry
“Sticking.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sticking. Accessed 13 Jan. 2026.
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share