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

Candidates and party members are now concerned about the adherence to those rules. —Elle Meyers, CBS News, 5 May 2026

In my administration, safety, respect and adherence to the law will be top priorities. —Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 4 May 2026

Key pieces of evidence were excluded, including entries from her diary and blood test results for alcohol and other substances, which were administered without proper adherence to due process, according to GQ. —Jordana Comiter, PEOPLE, 2 May 2026

Improved comfort was linked with better adherence to shorter fasting protocols. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 22 Apr. 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