Theme: Things That Cling or Attach

From adhesives and fasteners to magnets, webs, and sticky foods, these nine answers explore things that cling, attach, or hold onto a surface in different ways.

9 themed words All 26 letters covered Vowels shown in gold Consonants hidden in blue
1
  A  
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  1. This sweet spread is commonly made from fruit and sugar.
  2. It is often spread on toast or bread.
  3. Its thick texture can make it cling to surfaces.
  4. It can leave your fingers feeling sticky.
Reveal answer
J A M
Background information
Jam is made by cooking fruit with sugar until it thickens. Its concentrated sugars and gel-like texture give it the familiar sticky consistency that helps it cling to bread, spoons, and other surfaces.
2
  E       O
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  1. This fastening system uses two different textured surfaces.
  2. One side has tiny hooks while the other has loops.
  3. It can be pulled apart and attached again repeatedly.
  4. It is commonly used on clothing, shoes, bags, and straps.
Reveal answer
V E L C R O
Background information
Hook-and-loop fasteners use tiny hooks on one surface that catch loops on another. VELCRO is a well-known brand name commonly associated with this type of reusable fastening system.
3
  A     E  
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  1. This object can attract certain types of metal.
  2. It can hold notes or decorations against a metal surface.
  3. It works without glue or an adhesive backing.
  4. It clings to certain metals without glue.
Reveal answer
M A G N E T
Background information
Magnets produce a magnetic field that can attract ferromagnetic materials such as iron. Everyday magnets are often used to attach objects to metal surfaces without adhesives.
4
E   O    
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  1. This strong adhesive is often made by mixing two components.
  2. It is used for repairs, construction, and crafts.
  3. It hardens after its ingredients react together.
  4. Once cured, it can form a very strong bond between surfaces.
Reveal answer
E P O X Y
Background information
Many epoxy adhesives consist of a resin and a hardener. When combined, they undergo a chemical reaction that creates a strong, durable bond useful on materials such as metal, wood, ceramics, and some plastics.
5
    I     E  
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  1. This may display a picture, message, logo, or label.
  2. Children often collect decorative versions of it.
  3. One side is designed to be pressed onto another surface.
  4. It uses an adhesive backing to attach to a surface.
Reveal answer
S T I C K E R
Background information
Stickers typically consist of printed or decorative material coated with pressure-sensitive adhesive. Pressing the adhesive side against a suitable surface allows it to remain attached.
6
        A   E  
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  1. This is used as a simple form of insect control.
  2. It is often hung in places where unwanted insects gather.
  3. Its surface is coated with a substance that prevents insects from escaping.
  4. It is a sticky strip designed to trap flying insects.
Reveal answer
F L Y P A P E R
Background information
Flypaper is coated with a very sticky adhesive that traps insects when they land on it. It has long been used as a simple, non-mechanical method of controlling flies and other flying insects.
7
    I   E     E  
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  1. This structure is made from strands of silk.
  2. Its maker uses it for several purposes, including catching prey.
  3. Some of its threads can be especially adhesive.
  4. Small insects may become trapped when they touch it.
Reveal answer
S P I D E R W E B
Background information
Many spiders build webs using different types of silk. In orb webs, some strands are coated with microscopic sticky droplets that help capture insects while other strands allow the spider to move around more easily.
8
  I   U I       U E
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  1. This adhesive begins in a fluid form.
  2. It is commonly used for crafts and everyday repairs.
  3. It is applied between surfaces before being allowed to dry or cure.
  4. It helps materials remain attached after it sets.
Reveal answer
L I Q U I D G L U E
Background information
Liquid glues come in many formulations designed for paper, wood, fabric, and other materials. They generally create adhesion by forming bonds between the glue and the surfaces being joined.
9
  I     A   O U    
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  1. This mixture forms the base of a popular baked dish.
  2. Flour, water, yeast, and salt are common ingredients.
  3. It becomes stretchy as its gluten structure develops.
  4. When moist, it can cling stubbornly to hands and work surfaces.
Reveal answer
P I Z Z A D O U G H
Background information
Pizza dough develops an elastic gluten network as flour is hydrated and kneaded. Before enough flour is added to the work surface, moist dough can readily cling to fingers, bowls, and countertops.

Things That Cling or Attach Trivia

🧲 Attraction Without Adhesive
Magnets can attach to suitable metals through magnetic force, allowing them to cling without glue, tape, or another adhesive.
🕷️ A Cleverly Engineered Web
Not every strand in a spider web is equally sticky. Some spiders use adhesive capture threads alongside less-sticky structural threads.
🪝 Hooks Meet Loops
Hook-and-loop fasteners work when tiny hooks on one surface catch the loops on another, creating an attachment that can be opened and closed repeatedly.
🧪 Two Parts, One Strong Bond
Many epoxy adhesives become effective only after resin and hardener are mixed, triggering a chemical reaction that produces a durable bond.