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

His poems are acts of linguistic survival that refuse the false comfort of coherence. —Alex Averbuch, Literary Hub, 24 Feb. 2026

Designating them collectively as Baltimore’s Freedom Square creates coherence from what is now a fragmented narrative. —Alvin C. Hathaway Sr, Baltimore Sun, 22 Feb. 2026

The researchers also hope their research will aid in designing better quantum correction schemes and extending the coherence time of the qubits. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 20 Feb. 2026

No institution in California politics possesses more deployable capital or strategic coherence than public employee unions. —Jon Fleischman, Oc Register, 16 Feb. 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