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

Comments are moderated for adherence to our Community Guidelines. —Jane Harper, Dallas Morning News, 7 Feb. 2026

Federal law allows for utilities to bypass some requirement water quality regulations if adherence would imperil economic development opportunities in the area, Cafouros noted. —Sophie Hartley, IndyStar, 6 Feb. 2026

To address metabolic health conditions such as heart disease, stroke and diabetes, Hims & Hers provides micro-dose treatment plans intended to reduce side effects and promote long-term adherence. —Charles Taylor, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

The investigation will examine the vehicle's behavior in school zones and its adherence to speed limits. —Keith Laing, USA Today, 29 Jan. 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