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

The suit claimed the investigation was conducted in adherence with a new employment policy that was created just for her. —Viola Flowers, NBC news, 26 May 2025

This adherence to industry standards helps organizations stay compliant and minimizes regulatory risks. —Maria Williams, USA Today, 24 May 2025

Improvements in usability, broader document integration and customization of outputs to the needs of specific centers, with strong information security and adherence to FDA policy, will be the focus of future efforts. —Tor Constantino, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

Their livelihoods and social lives and careful dance of adherence to and independence from Mormonism depend on it. —Kathryn Vanarendonk, Vulture, 15 May 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