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

Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito have also been under scrutiny from Congress over their adherence to ethics laws and practices. —Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 3 Oct. 2024

Additionally, security measures must be implemented during development, including adherence to regulations like the EU AI Act, GDPR, CCPA, CPRA or industry-specific standards such as HIPAA. —Oleg Lola, Forbes, 3 Oct. 2024

Growing up in a culturally rich environment, I was steeped in traditions that emphasized modesty, respect, and adherence to familial expectations. —Bae Leche, refinery29.com, 3 Oct. 2024

Her cruel punishments, borne out of stubborn adherence to misguided religious fundamentalism, are the cause of all the movie's pain. —Clark Collis, EW.com, 1 Oct. 2024

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

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