Meaning & use

clingy

adjective·Everyday

Excessively dependent on or emotionally attached to someone, often in an annoying way.

See it in a sentence

Her clingy boyfriend texted her every hour throughout the workday.

The clingy toddler cried whenever his mother left the room.

A note on using this word

Clingy almost always carries a critical tone, suggesting the attachment is excessive or unwelcome rather than simply affectionate.

Words with a similar meaning

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Words with an opposite meaning

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