cleave

verb

ˈklēv How to pronounce cleave (audio)
Definition of cleavenext
as in to adhere
to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion you should resolutely cleave to the facts in your report

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb cleave contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cleave are adhere, cling, cohere, and stick. While all these words mean "to become closely attached," cleave stresses strength of attachment.

the wet shirt cleaved to his back

When might adhere be a better fit than cleave?

The words adhere and cleave can be used in similar contexts, but adhere is often interchangeable with stick but sometimes implies a growing together.

antibodies adhering to a virus

When is it sensible to use cling instead of cleave?

The meanings of cling and cleave largely overlap; however, cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils.

clinging to a capsized boat

When could cohere be used to replace cleave?

The words cohere and cleave are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass.

eggs will make the mixture cohere

Where would stick be a reasonable alternative to cleave?

While in some cases nearly identical to cleave, stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together.

couldn't get the label to stick

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of Synonyms for cleave
  1. adhere
  2. cling
  3. stick
Verb
  • That means all organizations should take note of this deadline and adhere if possible.
    — Zak Doffman, Forbes.com, 18 June 2025
  • Authorities urged the public to monitor updates and adhere strictly to safety instructions issued during this period.
    — Barney Henderson, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 June 2025
Definition of adhere
Verb
  • There was an old spiderweb still clinging to the railing by her front door.
    — Mona Awad, New Yorker, 20 July 2025
  • And the old White people clinging to their NPR and PBS know it.
    — Michael Graham, Boston Herald, 18 July 2025
Definition of cling
Verb
  • One of those sticking points has been a mammoth bond issue that is being pitched to voters in the November election.
    — John Aguilar, Denver Post, 22 July 2025
  • Thompson will need to prove the most in this area to stick, as well.
    — Joe Buscaglia, New York Times, 11 July 2025
Definition of stick
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.

Browse Nearby Words

cleavages
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cleaved
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Cite this Entry

“Cleave.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cleave. Accessed 30 Jul. 2025.

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