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

• adhesion
• bonding
• 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

Far from being mere amenities, these elements are essential for reducing stress, improving treatment adherence and contributing to faster, more complete recovery. —Nuri Kino, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 June 2025

What are the requirements to be a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader? Being a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader requires strict adherence to a series of rules. —Maddie Garfinkle, People.com, 18 June 2025

Requiring rigid adherence to brand standards strips influencers of the ability to infuse content with originality. —Ismael El Qudsi, Forbes.com, 9 June 2025

Dietary adherence was assessed weekly, and the women’s hot flashes were tracked using a smartphone app. —Paul McClure 09, New Atlas, 9 June 2025

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