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

Higher adherence to these diets is linked to a lower risk of chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and all-cause mortality. — Lauren Panoff, Verywell Health, 28 July 2026

Taittinger’s focus on high‑touch hospitality, long‑term relationship building and strict adherence to family heritage shows building global advocacy off a World Cup platform can happen without depleting margins or diluting the maison’s identity. — Lilian Raji, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

The Tarrant County Community Supervision and Corrections Department tracked Ponce’s adherence to the bond conditions. — Emerson Clarridge, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 25 July 2026

People who improved their adherence to MIND over 10 years, including those who didn’t follow it closely at first, had a 25% lower risk of dementia than those whose adherence declined. — Samantha Agate, Miami Herald, 25 July 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