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

• 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

The Cortège often feels like a beautiful but diluted version of experiences that Cirque du Soleil and Burning Man execute with more conviction and coherence. —David Hochman, Forbes.com, 14 Sep. 2025

Unlike conventional OPOs, this device regains coherence even when driven well above threshold. —Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 13 Sep. 2025

The Framework stresses that, without policy actions, strategic plans risk moving in different directions, lose coherence or fall away. —Etan Vlessing, HollywoodReporter, 9 Sep. 2025

Evidently, maintaining coherence isn’t a high priority of the MAGA program. —John Cassidy, New Yorker, 8 Sep. 2025

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