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
Political leaders now face a choice: lead with technical clarity and policy coherence or tinker at the political edges.
—María Mendiluce, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Our expectations about what can be treated lightly no less than our expectations of dramatic coherence have changed a lot since then, let alone since 1953.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 2 May 2025
The impulse stems from correcting what feels like a false narrative, this is because breakups disrupt not just connection, but also your sense of coherence.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
The remarkable thing for me is the level of coherence and alignment among the views of the first three interviewees, despite their different backgrounds and focus areas: roboticist Rodney Brooks; neuroscientist David Eagleman; and AI innovator Yann LeCun.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coherence
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
María Mendiluce, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
Our expectations about what can be treated lightly no less than our expectations of dramatic coherence have changed a lot since then, let alone since 1953.
—Jesse Green, New York Times, 2 May 2025
The impulse stems from correcting what feels like a false narrative, this is because breakups disrupt not just connection, but also your sense of coherence.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025
The remarkable thing for me is the level of coherence and alignment among the views of the first three interviewees, despite their different backgrounds and focus areas: roboticist Rodney Brooks; neuroscientist David Eagleman; and AI innovator Yann LeCun.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 14 Apr. 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 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share