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

Instead of asking whether a purchase order was late, AI models analyze patterns such as historical supplier performance trends, lead-time adherence and variability, route-level logistics patterns, and external factors like weather or transportation disruptions. —Rajesh Gangula, Forbes.com, 27 May 2026

Meanwhile, on the red carpets, stars kept things polished and glamorous in adherence to the famously strict dress code. —Alexandra Hildreth, Vogue, 25 May 2026

An evolution of the Facebook group — which has now expanded to over 115,000 — the GUARD Alliance plans to advocate for transparency in local government while monitoring the Nebius site for adherence to local law. —Ilana Arougheti, Kansas City Star, 20 May 2026

In addiction medicine, this type of frequent patient contact would be invaluable for informational purposes as well as successful adherence to treatment plans. —Steve D. Klein, STAT, 14 May 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