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

• balance
• concinnity
• consonance
• consonancy
• harmony
• orchestration
• proportion
• symmetry
• symphony
• 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

There are amusing moments reminiscent of the original, but in terms of tone and coherence, the movie loses its way. —David Rooney, HollywoodReporter, 25 June 2025

Veo 3 produces longer clips than earlier models and maintains greater visual coherence across scenes. —Charlie Fink, Forbes.com, 23 June 2025

There’s no inevitability of neat coherence down the line. —Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 20 June 2025

To live in community with a place creates a sense of collective coherence….The absence of it: trauma. —Bridget Crocker june 6, Literary Hub, 6 June 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