adherence

noun

ad·​her·​ence ad-ˈhir-ən(t)s 

əd-

1

: the act, action, or quality of adhering

adherence of paint to wood

2

: steady or faithful attachment : fidelity

adherence to a political party

Synonyms of adherence

• adhesion
• cling

Examples of adherence in a Sentence

you'd think these refrigerator magnets would have better adherence—they fall off every time I open the door

adherence to convention requires that the couple send out formal wedding invitations

Recent Examples on the Web

All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. — Dan Avery, CNBC, 1 July 2026

The article argues that while compromise may offer short-term gains, steadfast adherence to one's beliefs builds lasting trust and reputational capital. — True Tamplin, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

However, there is plenty of uncertainty surrounding adherence to the MoU, with the Wall Street Journal reporting Thursday that Iran expects to reel in $40 billion per year as part of a mechanism to impose tolls. — Glenn Taylor, Footwear News, 25 June 2026

Disappearing Japandi slats and minimal, low-to-the-ground frames were the prevailing bedroom fixtures, with an almost prescriptive adherence to the same overall look—white percale sheets, Noguchi lanterns, and midcentury alarm clocks. — Kate McGregor, Architectural Digest, 25 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French adherance, aerdaunce, aherdance "act of adhering, faction, supporters," borrowed from Medieval Latin adhaerentia, going back to Late Latin, "act of adhering," derivative of Latin adhaerent-, adhaerens, present participle of adhaerēre "to adhere"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Rhymes for adherence

• appearance
• coherence
• preclearance
• clearance
• disappearance
• incoherence
• interference
• perseverance
• reappearance
• noninterference

Kids Definition

adherence

noun

ad·​her·​ence ad-ˈhir-ən(t)s 

əd-

1

: the action or quality of adhering

2

: steady or faithful attachment

adherence to the truth