Definition of coherenext

Synonym Chooser

How does the verb cohere contrast with its synonyms?

Some common synonyms of cohere are adhere, cleave, cling, and stick. While all these words mean "to become closely attached," cohere suggests a sticking together of parts so that they form a unified mass.

eggs will make the mixture cohere

When can adhere be used instead of cohere?

While in some cases nearly identical to cohere, adhere is often interchangeable with stick but sometimes implies a growing together.

antibodies adhering to a virus

In what contexts can cleave take the place of cohere?

The meanings of cleave and cohere largely overlap; however, cleave stresses strength of attachment.

the wet shirt cleaved to his back

When would cling be a good substitute for cohere?

The words cling and cohere can be used in similar contexts, but cling implies attachment by hanging on with arms or tendrils.

clinging to a capsized boat

When is it sensible to use stick instead of cohere?

In some situations, the words stick and cohere are roughly equivalent. However, stick implies attachment by affixing or by being glued together.

couldn't get the label to stick

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cohere But seven years after its launch, Apple’s successes are cohering into a recognizable style. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2026 After one of the drivers is fired for his union activity, the warehouse slowly coheres around voting to become part of the Teamsters Union. — Vikram Murthi, IndieWire, 9 Sep. 2026 Political scientists such as William Wohlforth and Victoria Tin-bor Hui have found that throughout history, dominant states sought to actively split the coalitions arrayed against them before those coalitions could cohere. — Kurt M. Campbell, Foreign Affairs, 18 Aug. 2026 For a party that’s struggled to cohere around a single economic message, this issue may point the way forward. — Ian Crouch, New Yorker, 18 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cohere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cohere
Verb
  • That coincides with Chinese research ships spending an extraordinary amount of time apparently surveying undersea cables—not to mention Chinese commercial ships being investigated for cutting cables in both European and Asian waters.
    — Jeremy Hsu, ArsTechnica, 28 Oct. 2026
  • Vanessa DiBernardo’s return to the field coincided with the Kansas City Current’s boost in form in 2026.
    — Daniel Sperry, Kansas City Star, 28 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • On the day of the operation, Thompson called on Acting ICE Director David Venturella to investigate the collision, including by preserving evidence and cooperating with local authorities.
    — Eduardo Cuevas, CNN Money, 25 Oct. 2026
  • The witness was not injured and is cooperating with investigators, police said.
    — Shambhavi Rimal, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • In particular, the work showed that the Roger-Ramanujan identities correspond to a trefoil knot in a certain space.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026
  • In a corresponding move, the Panthers promoted outside linebacker Nick Hampton off the practice squad.
    — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Roa advocates for cross-movement networks that unite such causes as reproductive freedom, LGBTQ+ rights, and children’s welfare.
    — Encyclopedia Britannica, Encyclopedia Britannica, 27 Oct. 2026
  • With the opposition united in its ambition to replace Netanyahu but divided over how to govern afterward, neither political bloc is assured of a parliamentary majority and the final outcome could take weeks to determine.
    — Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 27 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • This may be related to pressure to conform to and uphold masculine norms and objectifying women.
    — CNN Money, CNN Money, 27 Oct. 2026
  • But in the last decade or so, there has been pressure to conform ideologically and make films with messages.
    — Zac Ntim, Deadline, 26 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • While big fashion brands routinely collaborate with blue-chip artists, Kriemler has a knack for rooting out under-the-radar or on-the-cusp talents, always trusting his instincts.
    — Miles Socha, Footwear News, 24 Oct. 2026
  • The property collaborated with Nobu and the food is clean and delicious—unsurprisingly, lots of raw fish and produce like spicy microgreens and August-sweet tomatoes grown at Sensei’s hydroponic farm down the road.
    — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 23 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Brodeur and Lowndes agree that housing affordability is also tied to supply, and that more homes available to the middle class need to be constructed.
    — Martin E. Comas, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Oct. 2026
  • The formulas say these two very different counts agree for every number.
    — Lyndie Chiou, Scientific American, 29 Oct. 2026
Verb
  • Engineers must fit every component within that envelope, limiting the size of equipment such as antennas and power systems.
    — Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 29 Oct. 2026
  • Riel Karmy-Jones, the prosecution barrister, accused Brand of retrofitting his definitions to fit his evidence.
    — Max Goldbart, Deadline, 28 Oct. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cohere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cohere. Accessed 2 Nov. 2026.

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