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 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 Does feminism have to cohere into a literary canon or an organized political program to exist? Chandler Fritz, The New York Review of Books, 21 Mar. 2026 But these influences don’t cohere into a clear vision or statement. Cesar Hernandez, San Francisco Chronicle, 28 Feb. 2026 See All Example Sentences for cohere
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cohere
Verb
  • The attacks also coincide with the multi-day funeral for former Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the joint US-Israel operation that kicked off the war.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
  • The higher rates coincide with the elimination of enhanced subsidies that made ACA insurance more affordable for millions of Americans.
    Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 8 July 2026
Verb
  • The sheriff's office added that Butler showed no signs of intoxication during the incident and cooperated with authorities.
    Thao Nguyen, USA Today, 3 July 2026
  • Every backyard astronomer should be able to see it without any special equipment (if the weather cooperates).
    John Metcalfe, Mercury News, 3 July 2026
Verb
  • Outfielder/catcher Jesus Rodriguez was recalled from Triple-A in a corresponding roster move.
    Cam Inman, Mercury News, 8 July 2026
  • In a pair of corresponding moves, the Dodgers optioned right-handed reliever Paul Gervase to triple-A Oklahoma City and released left-hander Jake Eder.
    Maddie Lee, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026
Verb
  • Instead, rival parties united in dismissing his actions as a stunt, leaving his only opponent to be a garbage-can wearing comedian whose policies include forcing rule-breaking cyclists to ride unicycles.
    Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
  • The fact that the fourth Dalai Lama was born in Mongolia empowered his successor to unite the territory in the 17th century.
    Charlie Campbell, Time, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • In order to conform to swiftly evolving market demand, more landlords are prebuilding and furnishing spaces of from 2,000 to 14,000 square feet in size.
    Jeffrey Steele, Forbes.com, 5 July 2026
  • Most common types of mortgages Jumbo loans Jumbo loans are mortgages that exceed the conforming loan limit.
    Kelsey Neubauer, CNBC, 2 July 2026
Verb
  • Project work can assess how students communicate, collaborate and adapt, as well as judging the quality of the final submission.
    Dan Fitzpatrick, Forbes.com, 11 July 2026
  • Spindle said the Samueli Foundation has launched a third fund, OC Plus, that’s aimed at helping local nonprofits collaborate on projects that might be too big, or too complex, for a single nonprofit.
    Andre Mouchard, Oc Register, 10 July 2026
Verb
  • Baldoni, via his Wayfarer Studios production company, and Lively later agreed to settle but remain tied up in a court fight over legal fees.
    ABC News, ABC News, 9 July 2026
  • James Stavridis, a retired US Navy admiral who had sailed through the Strait of Hormuz many times, agreed.
    Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 9 July 2026
Verb
  • The launch fits a familiar Silicon Valley pattern — ship products first, ask for forgiveness later.
    Los Angeles Times, Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2026
  • The interiors are fitted with the yard’s signature seascape windows, creating a light, airy atmosphere within.
    Rachel Cormack, Robb Report, 8 July 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cohere.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cohere. Accessed 13 Jul. 2026.

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