consistency

noun

con·​sis·​ten·​cy kən-ˈsi-stən(t)-sē 

plural consistencies

1

a

: agreement or harmony of parts or features to one another or a whole : correspondence

The furnishings and decorations in all the rooms reflect a consistency of style.

specifically : ability to be asserted together without contradiction

b

: harmony of conduct or practice with profession

followed her own advice with consistency

2

: degree of firmness, density, viscosity, or resistance to movement or separation of constituent particles

Boil the juice to the consistency of a thick syrup.

3

a

: firmness of constitution or character : persistency

… the rigid consistency with which he had adhered to its principles …

—Nathaniel Hawthorne

b

archaic : condition of adhering together : firmness of material substance

Synonyms of consistency

• consistence

Examples of consistency in a Sentence

His statements on this subject have lacked consistency.

Customers expect consistency in the quality of service they receive.

Practice will ensure greater consistency of performance.

The paints vary in consistency.

Recent Examples on the Web

Add milk or water as needed to attain a medium sauce consistency. —Gretchen McKay, Twin Cities, 25 Feb. 2026

Brad Idzik, Panthers’ new play-caller for the offense During Canales’ first two seasons in Carolina, the offense struggled to find consistency. —Melissa Melvin-Rodriguez, Charlotte Observer, 24 Feb. 2026

The bill is sponsored by Shevrin Jones, who says the goal is to create consistency across law enforcement agencies statewide and improve safety for everyone involved. —Chelsea Jones, CBS News, 24 Feb. 2026

This can maintain some stability and consistency on the back end of a franchise’s operation, rather than rushing an entirely new system into place and cramming for the annual test that is building an NFL roster. —Pat Leonard, New York Daily News, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

consist(ence) + -ency

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined at sense 3b

Phrases Containing consistency

• self-consistency

Rhymes for consistency

• persistency
• inconsistency

Kids Definition

consistency

noun

con·​sis·​ten·​cy kən-ˈsis-tən-sē 

plural consistencies

1

: the degree of thickness, firmness, or stickiness

dough of the right consistency

2

: agreement or harmony between parts or elements

3

: a sticking with one way of thinking or acting