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

In recent testing, Forbes named the Happiest Baby Snoo Smart Sleeper as its top overall bassinet, citing its firm sleep surface and adherence to safe‑sleep guidelines, while also recommending the HALO BassiNest Soothing Swivel Sleeper as a leading bedside option. —Jenni Fink, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026

This is basic adherence to the law. —CBS News, 29 Mar. 2026

All loans are subject to individual approval and adherence to underwriting guidelines. —Jasmin Suknanan, CNBC, 28 Mar. 2026

In the early 21st century, pharmaceutical advances produced a long-acting injectable formulation, designed to improve adherence by providing therapeutic effects for approximately one month per dose. —Encyclopedia Britannica, 26 Mar. 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