coherence

noun

co·​her·​ence kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s  -ˈher- 

1

: the quality or state of cohering: such as

a

: systematic or logical connection or consistency

The essay as a whole lacks coherence.

b

: integration of diverse elements, relationships, or values

"The various parts of this house—discrete in color, in shape, in placement—join together with remarkable coherence."

—Paul Goldberger

2

: the property of being coherent

a plan that lacks coherence

Synonyms of coherence

• symmetry
• orchestration
• proportion
• correlation
• harmony
• unity

Examples of coherence in a Sentence

the house has been expanded and remodeled so many times that now it's a jumbled mess that lacks coherence

Recent Examples on the Web

But while hard sci-fi may place more emphasis on its internal logic, coherence and consistency are important to any story — no matter the genre. —Tim Brinkhof, Big Think, 24 Mar. 2026

Or, to put it another way, technology of this sort makes the private dream of coherence more vivid. —Hannah Gold, Harpers Magazine, 24 Mar. 2026

However, a stray thermal vibration can scramble qubit states in quantum computing or degrade the coherence in quantum sensors. —Etiido Uko march 23, New Atlas, 23 Mar. 2026

In a volatile market, the leader who can author coherence is the one who wins. —Stephanie Dillon, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

coher(ent) + -ence, after Latin cohaerentia

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for coherence

• adherence
• appearance
• preclearance
• clearance
• disappearance
• incoherence
• interference
• perseverance
• reappearance
• noninterference