cleave

6 synonyms and 7 antonyms for cleave, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.

Verb — To split something apart, typically with a sharp tool or a forceful blow.

Synonyms

Everyday swaps

Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.

stick split

Less common

Still standard English, but they carry more weight.

adhere cling

Rare, literary or technical

Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.

rive cohere

Synonyms by Meaning

1. verb

To split something apart, typically with a sharp tool or a forceful blow.

“The axe cleaved the log neatly in two.”

stick split adhere cling rive cohere

Opposites

bond unite consolidate cement splice

2. verb

To stick closely or stay loyal to something, especially a belief, plan, or person (an older, more formal use).

“She cleaved to her principles even when it cost her friends.”

Opposites

desert separate

How to use cleave

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

cleave in two cleave to a belief cleave apart

Etymology

From Old English cleofan, "to split" — confusingly, cleave also came to mean "stick to," from a completely different Old English verb (cleofian) that just happened to end up spelled the same way.

Full origin of cleave →

Frequently asked questions

What does “cleave” mean?

The word “cleave” means to split something apart, typically with a sharp tool or a forceful blow. In plain terms, cleave has two nearly opposite meanings: to split apart, or to stick firmly together — context tells you which one is meant.

How do you pronounce “cleave”?

“Cleave” is pronounced KLEEV (/ˈkliːv/ in IPA).

How do you use “cleave” in a sentence?

Here is “cleave” used in a sentence: “The axe cleaved the log neatly in two.”

What part of speech is “cleave”?

“Cleave” is a verb.

Where does the word “cleave” come from?

The word “cleave” comes from Old English. From Old English cleofan, "to split" — confusingly, cleave also came to mean "stick to," from a completely different Old English verb (cleofian) that just happened to end up spelled the same way.

How many meanings does “cleave” have?

“Cleave” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to split something apart, typically with a sharp tool or a forceful blow.

Related words

cleavage cleft

People also searched

separate stick split bond desert unite cement adhere cling consolidate rive splice

Nearby words

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