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

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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

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

Geckos scale smooth vertical surfaces without adhesives or suction cups thanks to microscopic hairs on their feet called setae. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2026 Instead of bending one solid piece, the wood is cut into thin strips, coated with adhesive, stacked back together, and pressed against a curved mold. — New Atlas, 30 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for adhesive

Recent Examples of Synonyms for adhesive

Adjective

The lightweight, slightly milky formula sank into my skin quickly without feeling sticky or heavy, leaving behind a luminous finish that made my complexion look fresher almost immediately.

— Lucy Partington, Glamour, 7 Oct. 2026
Our highlights were the sticky Yabba pot rice and the lamb curry, which were fragrant and delicate but packed a punch.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 6 Oct. 2026

Definition of sticky

Noun

Inspectors also observed a dying adult cockroach on the floor nearby, two live adult cockroaches on a glue stick in a storage room, and a dead adult cockroach near the employee restroom entrance.

— Sacbee.com, Sacbee.com, 2 Oct. 2026
Rebecca Dixon, the district’s assistant director of special education, and Jaime Goodley, its director of special education, bought everything from earbuds and glue sticks to notebooks and backpacks.

— Melinda Moore, Chicago Tribune, 1 Oct. 2026

Definition of glue

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

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adhesion

adhesive

adhesiveness

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Style

“Adhesive.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/adhesive. Accessed 10 Oct. 2026.

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Synonyms of adhesive

adjective

noun

Example Sentences

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