Synonyms for

Cling

Verb / klɪŋ / Another word for cling — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

to hold onto something tightly

Synonyms & similar words

hang cleave clingstone adhere stick cohere hold grasp clasp stick adhere attach bond cohere clutch grip embrace hug sustain support fasten connect link join affix bind

Synonyms by register

Formal

adhere stick cohere fasten

Informal

hang on stick with hold tight

Literary

cleave grap ensnare

Antonyms

release detach loosen abandon let go disengage

Common collocations

  • cling to power
  • cling to life
  • cling to hope
  • cling to the past
  • cling to a belief
  • cling to someone
  • cling to a surface

Word family

noun clinging
verb cling
adjective clinging

Usage note

Often used figuratively to describe an emotional attachment or a persistent adherence to something. Can sometimes imply an unhealthy or desperate hold.

Example sentences

  1. The baby will cling to their mother's hand.
  2. The wet shirt will cling to my skin.
  3. The spider will cling to the wall.
  4. The koala will cling to the tree.
  5. The glue will cling to the paper.

Quotes

  • A heart that loves is always young. - Greek Proverb
  • The best thing to hold onto in life is each other. - Audrey Hepburn
  • Faith is like a bird that feels dawn breaking and sings while it is still dark. - Rabindranath Tagore

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