stick together: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Informal to neutral. Common in everyday speech, motivational contexts, and journalism.
Quick answer
What does “stick together” mean?
To remain united and mutually supportive, especially during difficult times.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To remain united and mutually supportive, especially during difficult times; to maintain cohesion as a group.
Can refer to physical adhesion (e.g., 'the glue made the pieces stick together') but overwhelmingly used figuratively for social, familial, or team cohesion. Implies loyalty and refusal to separate despite pressure.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or frequency. Slightly more likely to be used in British English in contexts of social class or family solidarity ('The working class must stick together').
Connotations
Both varieties carry positive connotations of loyalty, resilience, and strength in unity. Can have a slight 'underdog' or 'us against the world' nuance.
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “stick together” in a Sentence
[Group] stick together.[Imperative] Stick together![Group] stick together through [difficulty].[Adverb] stick together (e.g., always, never).Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “stick together” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The squad vowed to stick together after the relegation threat.
- In this neighbourhood, we really stick together.
American English
- The union members decided to stick together during the contract negotiations.
- No matter the scandal, the family stuck together.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used to encourage team cohesion during mergers, crises, or competitive pressures. ('If we stick together, we can survive this market downturn.')
Academic
Rare in formal writing. May appear in social sciences discussing group dynamics, collective action, or community resilience.
Everyday
Very common advice for friends, families, or colleagues facing problems. ('No matter what they say, let's stick together.')
Technical
Not typically used in technical contexts unless metaphorically in project management or team leadership literature.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “stick together”
- Using 'stick with together' (redundant).
- Confusing with 'stick with' (which implies persistence with a thing or idea, not group cohesion).
- Using in overly formal contexts where 'maintain unity' is better.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily, yes. While it can describe physical objects adhering, its primary use is figurative for groups of people.
Yes, but it's more about mutual support during hard times ('We'll get through this if we stick together') than about romantic attachment specifically.
'Stay together' is more general and neutral, often about physical proximity or not separating. 'Stick together' strongly implies active cohesion against an external challenge or threat.
Yes, it is an inseparable phrasal verb (verb + adverb). You cannot say 'stick it together' in this figurative sense (that would be literal for objects).
To remain united and mutually supportive, especially during difficult times.
Stick together is usually informal to neutral. common in everyday speech, motivational contexts, and journalism. in register.
Stick together: in British English it is pronounced /stɪk təˈɡeðə(r)/, and in American English it is pronounced /stɪk təˈɡeðər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Stick together like glue.”
- “All for one and one for all.”
- “United we stand, divided we fall.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bundle of sticks tied together – hard to break. A single stick snaps easily. 'Stick together' is the verbal version of that bundle.
Conceptual Metaphor
UNITY IS PHYSICAL ADHESION / COHESION IS STICKINESS.
Practice
Quiz
In which scenario is 'stick together' LEAST appropriate?