coherence
noun
co·her·ence
kō-ˈhir-ən(t)s 
-ˈher-
-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
Paul Goldberger2
: the property of being coherent
a plan that lacks coherence
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
For the festival’s director, coherence is key.
—Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
But coherence isn’t really the point here.
—Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
Without the Clown, there are no novel ideas; without the Editor, those ideas lack concision, coherence, and logical structure.
—Big Think, 23 Oct. 2025
Each side, in short, overestimates the other’s coherence.
—Lizzi C. Lee, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coherence
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Emiliano De Pablos, Variety, 24 Oct. 2025
But coherence isn’t really the point here.
—Jon Dolan, Rolling Stone, 24 Oct. 2025
Without the Clown, there are no novel ideas; without the Editor, those ideas lack concision, coherence, and logical structure.
—Big Think, 23 Oct. 2025
Each side, in short, overestimates the other’s coherence.
—Lizzi C. Lee, Time, 17 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coherence
Cite this Entry
“Coherence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/coherence. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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