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

Its motion effectively reveals which atom produced the neutrino, destroying the quantum coherence needed for superradiance. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 6 Sep. 2026

Complicated in-camera effects — matte work, ghost glass, early Steadicam usage — promised artistic mastery, but not necessarily thrills or coherence. — Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 4 Sep. 2026

When different functions build and deploy customer-facing agents independently, that coherence can erode. — Harvard Business Review, 4 Sep. 2026

The goal is not perfection within a silo, but coherence across the system. — Guy Yehiav, Forbes.com, 1 Sep. 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