Adhere — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ad-ˈhir/ ad·here

Meaning & Definition of Adhere

Adhere (verb)

  1. to hold fast or stick by or as if by gluing, suction, grasping, or fusing
  2. to give support or maintain loyalty
  3. to bind oneself to observance

Adhere (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to hold to something firmly as if by adhesion

    "everyone started calling her Cookie when she was little and the name adhered"

    similar: cleave, cling, hew, stick
    near: loosen, drop, fall

Related Entry: Adhere (to) (verb)

Adhere (to) is a different word from Adhere. The synonyms below are for adhere (to), not for adhere.

  1. to give steadfast support to

    "our coach adheres to the belief that we can win this game if we just have a positive attitude"

    opposite: defect (from)
  2. to act according to the commands of

    "adhere to the terms of the deceased's will"

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Adhere

The most common words with a similar meaning to Adhere:

Near Antonyms of Adhere

Word Forms of Adhere

Inflections: adhered, adhering

Origin & Etymology of Adhere

borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French adhérer, going back to Old French ahérer, borrowed from Latin adhaerēre "to cling, stick (to), attach oneself, keep close (to a person)," from ad- ad- + haerēre "to be closely attached, stick" hesitate

First known use: 15th centuryi

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Adhere

Words & Phrases Containing Adhere

Frequently Asked Questions about Adhere

What does "Adhere" mean?

"Adhere" means to hold fast or stick by or as if by gluing, suction, grasping, or fusing. As a verb, it is defined as: to hold fast or stick by or as if by gluing, suction, grasping, or fusing.

What is another word for "Adhere"?

Other words for "Adhere" include cleave, cling, hew and stick. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Adhere" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Adhere"?

There are 10 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Adhere". Common alternatives include cleave, cling, hew and stick.

How do you use "Adhere" in a sentence?

Examples of "Adhere" in a sentence: "everyone started calling her Cookie when she was little and the name adhered".

Is "Adhere" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Adhere" is a verb.

Is "Adhere" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C1-level word, "Adhere" is typical of Cambridge C1 Advanced (CAE), IELTS band 7.0–8.0, TOEFL iBT 95–113, PTE Academic 76–84, TOEIC Listening & Reading 945+. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Adhere"?

"Adhere" is pronounced /ad-ˈhir/ and divided into syllables as ad·here.

What is the origin of the word "Adhere"?

"Adhere" comes from borrowed from Middle French & Latin; Middle French adhérer, going back to Old French ahérer, borrowed from Latin adhaerēre "to cling, stick (to), attach oneself, keep close (to a person)," from ad- ad- + haerēre "to be closely attached, stick" hesitate. First known use: 15th centuryi.