STICKING Synonyms: 174 Similar and Opposite Words

sticking

verb

present participle of stick

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

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

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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

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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 The day rewards curiosity more than sticking stubbornly to the original plan. — Tarot.com, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026 The priority the remainder of the year must be personnel evaluation, so sticking a full 17 games with Austin Jackson - who seems unlikely to be back next season - would be denying the front office and coaching staff a chance to see other players. — Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 11 Oct. 2026 The bar makes a perfectly balanced drink, and brunch holds its own with plenty of light and rib-sticking options alike (the steak and eggs were my favorite) and strong locally roasted coffee (both pour-over and espresso options). — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026 By sticking her neck out and opening up a very touchy subject for examination, Hannah-Jones has done much more to advance the cause of public education than most of her detractors will give her credit for. — Clarence Page, Chicago Tribune, 28 Sep. 2026 In fact, one of Lamper’s most viral videos shows Finn sticking his arm inside an automatic feeder to get extra food. — Meredith Wilshere, PEOPLE, 26 Sep. 2026 Most leaders are sticking the initial demands contained in the African Union’s position on the issue adopted in 2005, which includes a demand for at least two permanent seats on the Security Council. — Mogomotsi Magome, Los Angeles Times, 24 Sep. 2026 Most leaders are sticking the initial demands contained in the African Union's position on the issue adopted in 2005, which includes a demand for at least two permanent seats on the Security Council. — ABC News, 24 Sep. 2026 And while getting Vicki back on the show hasn’t made for particularly fun television, her Debbie Downer season (apologies to Victoria, but Emily’s assessment is sticking) is at least authentic. — Tom Smyth, Vulture, 18 Sep. 2026

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sticking

Verb

Repeat guests begin wrapping their feet with tape and adhering gel pads to prevent blisters.

— Johanna Wolfe, Robb Report, 22 Aug. 2026
Unlike in Cutud, participants are mostly female faith healers adhering not to vows but to mystic trances and possession.

— H.M.A. Leow, JSTOR Daily, 10 July 2026

Definition of adhering

Verb

On Friday, that thought process took another gigantic step, as those in charge of putting a product on television have all but signed the official paperwork to once again expand the college football playoff.

— Trey Wallace OutKick, FOXNews.com, 17 Oct. 2026
But the Broncos aren’t just about putting the ball in the back of the net — their defense has allowed just six goals all season and is led by near-impenetrable sophomore goalkeeper Ava de Leest.

— Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 17 Oct. 2026

Definition of putting

Verb

In fact, Fielder says, Blaine was literally stabbing his hand, puncturing his own flesh to create the illusion of an illusion.

— Naomi Fry, New Yorker, 17 Oct. 2026
Neighbors shocked about stabbing Neighbors say Thomas was known to have mental health issues and called the stabbing unfortunate.

— Bryan Lynn, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Definition of stabbing

Verb

Democrats have hammered on meat as well, but mainly just as one of the staples that cost more under Trump, squeezing voters’ pocketbooks.

— Nicholas Riccardi, Fortune, 15 Oct. 2026
Democrats have hammered on meat as well, but mainly just as one of the staples that cost more under Trump, squeezing voters' pocketbooks.

— ABC News, ABC News, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of squeezing

Verb

Mykola Murskyj, senior adviser on policy and strategy at the nonprofit organization Razom for Ukraine, told the Washington Examiner that Zelensky isn’t just arbitrarily clinging to power — the entire country is wary of voting during wartime.

— Timothy Nerozzi, The Washington Examiner, 15 Oct. 2026
Rescues were reported in multiple counties on Saturday, including people found in floodwaters, clinging to a piece of a dock along the Freedom Trail Greenway in Burke County, officials say.

— Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of clinging

Verb

While the three were picking their way through a clump of trees at the far end of the cornfield, half a dozen does came out of the willows single file, walked under my platform within six yards of me, and started to feed.

— Al Dawson, Outdoor Life, 15 Oct. 2026
The farm’s famous U-Pick strawberries are expected to be ready for picking Thursdays through Saturdays by Christmas in the adjacent property.

— Kari Barnett, Sun Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026

Definition of picking

Verb

LLMs are great at finding blowups that exist—at searching the infinite landscape of fluid scenarios and plucking out the precise situation that breaks the equations.

— Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 21 Sep. 2026
Fortunately, many dahlia insect problems in September can be solved by walking through the garden in the morning and plucking the offending insects off the plants by hand, then dropping them into a container of soapy water.

— Andy Wilcox, Better Homes & Gardens, 4 Sep. 2026