coherence

noun

co·​her·​ence kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s  -ˈher- 

1

: the quality or state of cohering: such as

a

: systematic or logical connection or consistency

The essay as a whole lacks coherence.

b

: integration of diverse elements, relationships, or values

"The various parts of this house—discrete in color, in shape, in placement—join together with remarkable coherence."

—Paul Goldberger

2

: the property of being coherent

a plan that lacks coherence

Synonyms of coherence

• symmetry
• orchestration
• proportion
• correlation
• harmony
• unity

Examples of coherence in a Sentence

the house has been expanded and remodeled so many times that now it's a jumbled mess that lacks coherence

Recent Examples on the Web

And the coherence critics ask for is what outcome-routing supplies. — Simon Hill, Forbes.com, 17 Aug. 2026

That sense of direction and coherence — not the standards document itself — is what the results capture. — Michael Casserly, Chicago Tribune, 16 Aug. 2026

That is not, in itself, a difficulty; family stewardship has its own coherence and its own dignity. — Vandana Arcot, Fortune, 14 Aug. 2026

None of this has occurred in the Russian-Ukrainian case, except in fragments—and the result has been an effort without commitment, coherence, or momentum. — Matt Waldman, Foreign Affairs, 13 Aug. 2026

Word History

Etymology

coher(ent) + -ence, after Latin cohaerentia

First Known Use

circa 1580, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for coherence

• adherence
• appearance
• preclearance
• clearance
• disappearance
• incoherence
• interference
• perseverance
• reappearance
• noninterference