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

Relevance

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

These weren’t just found in adhesive samples, but also in samples of paint and ground layers, suggesting that Egyptians chose their materials based on ready availability. — Jennifer Ouellette, ArsTechnica, 11 Sep. 2026 When mixed, the yeast microbes become coated with adhesive proteins similar to those used by mussels to anchor on stones underwater. — Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 10 Sep. 2026

Noun

The fixture can attach to any flat surface with stick-on adhesives in just seconds, so say goodbye to the days of dim bathroom lighting or cooking under gloomy overheads. — Audrey Lee, Architectural Digest, 7 Oct. 2026 Prescott was on the practice field on Monday and Tuesday with a smaller band-aid type of adhesive on his hand, and he has not been listed on the injury report. — Nick Harris, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 6 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adhesive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adhesive

Adjective

The spike in core CPI shows price pressures are broadening into other categories beyond energy, experts noted, a sign inflation remains sticky.

— Mary Cunningham, CBS News, 14 Oct. 2026
With inflation remaining sticky, the central bank may need to raise rates higher and keep them there for longer in 2027, said Christopher Rupkey, chief economist at Fwdbonds.

— Michelle Fox,Sean Conlon,Sawdah Bhaimiya, CNBC, 14 Oct. 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

See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Style

“Adhesive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adhesive. Accessed 20 Oct. 2026.

Copy Citation

Synonyms of adhesive

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

More from Merriam-Webster on adhesive

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

compunction

Popular in Grammar & Usage

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

Merriam-Webster’s Great Big List of Words You Love to Hate

The Exceptions of '-s' and '-es' Plurals

Is it 'nerve-racking' or 'nerve-wracking'?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?

Popular in Wordplay

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

9 Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

7 Words for Bad Endings and Rough Situations

Did 'orange' the fruit or the color come first?

Popular

'Affect' vs. 'Effect'

16 Food Words Recently Added to the Dictionary

The Real Origin of 'Supercalifragilistic'

Games & Quizzes