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 Parmigiano was a sign that not only the culture but the idea of the country itself was beginning to cohere into a tangible political reality. Literary Hub, 11 June 2026 During the controversy that followed, his disdain for women began cohering into a political identity. Heidi Blake, New Yorker, 8 June 2026 Maslany is the dynamic center of a story that twists in unexpected directions, giving Paula enough intelligence, warmth, and edginess to make her character cohere. Judy Berman, Time, 20 May 2026 Pau’s early work cohered around a nonnarrative approach to themes of alienation and isolation, rendered through obscure and richly textured visuals. Pauline J. Yao, Artforum, 2 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for cohere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cohere
Verb
  • The researchers found that the behavioral transitions coincided with changes in gene expression across those tissues, suggesting the shifts reflected underlying biological changes rather than changes in behavior alone.
    Panashe Matemba-Mutasa, Mercury News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • But Bret’s suspicions soon grow darker and more intense when Robert’s arrival coincides with a string of teen murders within their cozy Beverly Hills bubble.
    Ben Travers, IndieWire, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Hicks said detectives are working to determine Williams' motives, and said the suspect's family was cooperating fully with law enforcement.
    ABC News, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2026
  • In September, Brun and an associate sold meth directly to a source cooperating with the detail.
    Guthrie Scrimgeour, Rolling Stone, 2 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The corresponding move there could be Gavin Sheets, who has been dealing with plantar fasciitis, going on the IL.
    Kevin Acee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 4 Aug. 2026
  • In a corresponding roster move, the Patriots released tight end Jeremiah Franklin.
    Doug Kyed, Boston Herald, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Kemp and Jackson united at the Georgia Chamber’s annual congressional luncheon for the first time since Jackson’s party-rattling primary win.
    AJ Willingham, AJC.com, 7 Aug. 2026
  • Right’s multiculturalism Meanwhile, the American right was increasingly united less by biological notions of race and more by opposition to multiculturalism, feminism, LGBTQ+ rights, immigration and liberalism.
    Eladio Bobadilla, Mercury News, 6 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Those figures conform to those generated this year by the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC), an advisory panel for Congress, which found that the subsidies reduced average Part D premiums by $26 a month last year and $16 this year.
    Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026
  • Tempur-Pedic’s proprietary material is a body-conforming foam the brand uses for their popular mattresses, toppers, and pillows.
    Julia Harrison, Architectural Digest, 4 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • The pair would continue to collaborate over the years, with Orbit assisting on Madonna’s Music and MDNA.
    Daniel Kreps, Rolling Stone, 8 Aug. 2026
  • However, working with the Sterling Point cast allowed the actor to collaborate with a host of other young people also newer to the industry.
    Nicole Fell, HollywoodReporter, 7 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • However, the agency backtracked and agreed to review the shot after Moderna promised to conduct another study after the shot became available on the market.
    Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • If this core demand is not met, Iran is unlikely to agree to a deal.
    , CNBC, 5 Aug. 2026
Verb
  • Passengers could stow a purse, laptop bag or small backpack that fitted within specified measurements under the seat in front of them for no charge, Jetstar said.
    ABC News, ABC News, 5 Aug. 2026
  • Those discussions helped identify practical opportunities where HHI’s intelligent welding technology could fit into existing US shipyard operations.
    Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 5 Aug. 2026

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Cohere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cohere. Accessed 10 Aug. 2026.

More from Merriam-Webster on cohere

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!