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

Comments are moderated for adherence to our Community Guidelines. —Dallas Morning News, 6 Jan. 2026

While the system isn’t perfect, the kids wore the watches more than 75% of the time, with the adherence suggesting that the approach was feasible. —Michelle Fay Cortez, Bloomberg, 5 Jan. 2026

The role, which can be paid or unpaid, requires financial disclosures and adherence to ethics rules, including recusal from matters in which the individual has financial interests. —Karoline Leonard, Austin American Statesman, 5 Jan. 2026

Kennedy had discussed the shift during remarks at the White House, framing it as part of a broader effort to address declining vaccination adherence. —Emma Bussey, FOXNews.com, 5 Jan. 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