adherence

noun

ad·​her·​ence ad-ˈhir-ən(t)s How to pronounce adherence (audio)
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

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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Iraq has witnessed similar deadly incidents in the past, often attributed to a lack of adherence to civil defense regulations, and poor safety measures and electrical short circuits. Laura Sharman, CNN Money, 17 July 2025 That’s not to say those outcomes cannot be challenged, but they must be challenged within those electoral and legal systems, in adherence to the U.S. Constitution. St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Twin Cities, 16 July 2025 Term 3: The Contracting/Procurement Vector in the Dreck Equation (C × β1) When an agency uses a contractor to fulfill a project or provide a service, the terms of that contract may include regulatory compliance requirements such as environmental or labor adherences. Clyde Wayne Crews Jr, Forbes.com, 14 July 2025 The award-winning Financial Services Commission ensures adherence to global standards, making the jurisdiction a top choice for cross-border investment. Panorama Media Ltd, Miami Herald, 14 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for adherence

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of adherence was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Adherence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adherence. Accessed 25 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

adherence

noun
ad·​her·​ence ad-ˈhir-ən(t)s How to pronounce adherence (audio)
əd-
1
: the action or quality of adhering
2
: steady or faithful attachment
adherence to the truth

More from Merriam-Webster on adherence

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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