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

The department is citing Florida laws requiring adherence to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and protecting private student information. — Miami Herald, 22 July 2026

During Covid-19, not everyone did what governments asked or told them to do, and adherence to control measures was strongly predicted by politics and trust. — Marc Lipsitch, STAT, 21 July 2026

Bar associations need to have more of a bite in going after law licenses to curb wayward lawyers like Bondi, Blanche or Brito, who lawyer solely for political reason without adherence to the rule of law. — Miles J. Zaremski, The Orlando Sentinel, 19 July 2026

To demonstrate ongoing compliance, Newcastle must submit six-monthly progress reports to UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body (CFCB), outlining their transfer balance and adherence to the settlement. — Chris Weatherspoon, New York Times, 18 July 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