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

Conference expansion has shattered pretenses to regional coherence. — Geraldo L. Cadava, The Atlantic, 19 Sep. 2026

The fragility of quantum coherence, quantum interference patterns. — Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026

The combat scenes, frequently pitting Latif’s sharpened steel against more popular American weaponry, are staged with whirling verve, wit and, best of all, balletic coherence. — Guy Lodge, Variety, 14 Sep. 2026

Smoothly edited by Kossakovsky-regular Ainara Vera, Holy Wood Dust gains a stronger semblance of coherence by the generous use of classical music alongside Adrian Berenguer’s bespoke original soundtrack. — Leslie Felperin, HollywoodReporter, 9 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