Synonyms for

Clinging

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

Definition

adjective - holding tightly onto something; unwilling to let go

Synonyms & similar words

cohere adhere stick hang cling cleave adhering clutching grasping hugging sticking embracing clasping clamping fastening gripping cuddling squeezing encircling entwining twining coiling winding ensconcing securing clenching

Synonyms by register

Formal

adherent tenacious persistent cohesive

Informal

sticky stubborn hanging on attached

Literary

umbrageous tenebrous shadowy

Antonyms

releasing letting go detaching loosening freeing unfastening

Common collocations

  • clinging vine
  • clinging to life
  • clinging to power
  • clinging embrace
  • clinging mist
  • clinging fear
  • clinging hope

Word family

noun clinger
verb cling
adjective clinging
adverb clingingly

Usage note

Often used metaphorically to describe someone or something that is overly dependent or reluctant to let go. Can have a negative connotation of being burdensome or suffocating.

Example sentences

  1. The monkey was clinging to the vine and swinging through the trees.
  2. The child was clinging to her mother's hand tightly.
  3. The wet shirt was clinging to his skin.
  4. The octopus was clinging to the rock with its tentacles.
  5. The koala was clinging to the eucalyptus tree.

Quotes

  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
  • Happiness is not something ready-made. It comes from your own actions. - Dalai Lama
  • Believe you can and you're halfway there. - Theodore Roosevelt

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