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
In their 11 matches in all competitions, Arne Slot’s side have scored eight goals in the 83rd minute or later, with those late strikes keeping results on track but masking defensive deficiencies and a lack of coherence, at times, in attack.
—Tim Spiers, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
As in the case of Venu, the idea was to try to bring some coherence to an experience that has become fragmented and disorienting.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2025
Future solar cells, for instance, might harness coherence to move energy more efficiently, reducing losses and boosting performance.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
The fractured self, which is taken to be a microcosm of the fractured world, achieves coherence this way.
—Paul McAdory, Vulture, 22 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for coherence
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Tim Spiers, New York Times, 6 Oct. 2025
As in the case of Venu, the idea was to try to bring some coherence to an experience that has become fragmented and disorienting.
—Dade Hayes, Deadline, 2 Oct. 2025
Future solar cells, for instance, might harness coherence to move energy more efficiently, reducing losses and boosting performance.
—Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 1 Oct. 2025
The fractured self, which is taken to be a microcosm of the fractured world, achieves coherence this way.
—Paul McAdory, Vulture, 22 Sep. 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 8 Oct. 2025.
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