cling (to)

verb

Definition of cling (to)next
1
as in to keep (to)
to give steadfast support to continued to cling to the old ideas of child rearing long after they had gone out of fashion

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
2
as in to grip
to have or keep in one's hands clung to a pole in the subway car to keep from falling as it lurched along

Synonyms & Similar Words

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Examples Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cling (to)
  1. grip
  2. clutch
  3. clench
  4. defend
  5. hold
  6. grab
  7. stand by
Verb
  • For those eager to revisit or catch up on the gripping saga, seasons one through three are available to stream now, exclusively on BET+.
    Okla Jones, Essence, 4 Nov. 2024
  • Hell or High Water (2016) — A gripping modern Western about two brothers who resort to bank robbery to save their family ranch.
    David Faris, Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2024
Definition of grip
Verb
  • The sleeveless mock-neck dress was complemented by her sequin clutch and matching shoes.
    Catherine Santino, People.com, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Thousands of voters across the U.S. territory stood in long lines clutching umbrellas, undeterred by heavy rain.
    Dánica Coto, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2024
Definition of clutch
Verb
  • Examples include: Stress: People under a lot of stress may be more likely to clench or grind their teeth.
    Maggie Aime, MSN, Health, 21 Oct. 2024
  • The most important step is to identify and correct oral behaviors that can contribute to burning mouth syndrome, like clenching or grinding your jaw.
    Kelly Burch Published, Verywell Health, 2 Oct. 2024
Definition of clench
Verb
  • Austin Police Department Chief of Staff Jeff Greenwalt defended the proposal in response to concerns from multiple public officials and social justice advocates during a Monday meeting of the city's Public Safety Commission.
    Serena Lin, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • According to the New York Times, Trump has privately defended his defense secretary nominee.
    Siladitya Ray, Forbes, 21 Nov. 2024
Definition of defend
Verb
  • These sessions, often held bi-monthly, are held in secret.
    Nate Chute, Austin American-Statesman, 22 Nov. 2024
  • Real estate agents are holding about 20 open houses at historic homes in about a dozen Phoenix historic neighborhoods this weekend.
    The Arizona Republic, The Arizona Republic, 22 Nov. 2024
Definition of hold
Verb
  • At one point, the man allegedly told Combs to grab a white bird from a cage that the man had presumably brought with him.
    Cheyenne Roundtree, Rolling Stone, 18 Nov. 2024
  • After the tree lights up the night, the park will be open for visitors to check out the exhibits and grab some holiday treats.
    Anne Gelhaus, The Mercury News, 18 Nov. 2024
Definition of grab
Verb
  • While some critics were quick to voice their disapproval, Cindy’s loyal followers stood by her.
    Hilary Tetenbaum, USA TODAY, 21 Nov. 2024
  • Her then-husband stood by her side, unaware of the truth.
    Matt Robison, Newsweek, 21 Nov. 2024
Definition of stand by
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.

Thesaurus Entries Near cling (to)

clings (to)

cling (to)

clingy

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Cling (to).” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cling%20%28to%29. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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