consistent

adjective

con·​sis·​tent kən-ˈsi-stənt How to pronounce consistent (audio)
1
a
: marked by harmony, regularity, or steady continuity : free from variation or contradiction
a consistent style in painting
b
: marked by agreement : compatible
usually used with with
statements not consistent with the truth
c
: showing steady conformity to character, profession, belief, or custom
a consistent patriot
2
: tending to be arbitrarily close to the true value of the parameter estimated as the sample becomes large
a consistent statistical estimator
3
archaic : possessing firmness or coherence
consistently adverb

Examples of consistent in a Sentence

… the sixty-five-year-old filmmaker continues to practice his craft with consistent artistic aplomb. Peter Travers, Rolling Stone, 30 Aug. 2001
I am not consistent about giving vibrancy and other kinds of input to a relationship.  … There are periods when I am the most attentive and thoughtful lover in the world, and periods, too, when I am just unavailable. Toni Cade Bambara, "A Conversation with Claudia Tate," in The Story and Its Writer, edited by Ann Charters1987
One of the strengths of Blake's letters is their consistent readability … William Styron, This Quiet Dust and Other Writings, (1953) 1982
The rhythm of the gesture never varied. The paper flew in identically the same arc at each doorway, landed in identically the same spot. It was impossible for anybody to throw with such consistent perfection. Madeleine L'Engle, A Wrinkle in Time, (1962) 1976
He is a consistent supporter of the museum. We need to be more consistent in handling this problem. Customers expect that the quality of service they receive will be consistent. The pain has been consistent. Your grades have shown consistent improvement this school year. Their descriptions of the accident were consistent. The decision was consistent with the company's policy.
Recent Examples on the Web During the authentication process, paper conservators confirmed that the paper and ink were consistent with what Chopin would have used at the time. Julia Binswanger, Smithsonian Magazine, 31 Oct. 2024 Across the table from me, the brand’s new CEO, Marie Leblanc, remarked on the brand’s rare ability to stay true to its heritage while also remaining modern and consistent, to maintain creative vision while also catering to its customer. Megan O'Sullivan, Vogue, 31 Oct. 2024 For this purpose, a kernel density estimation was applied to the study blocks, the results of which are consistent with the densities recorded in other Mayan archeological sites such as Oxpemul and Becan. Anna Lagos, WIRED, 30 Oct. 2024 The defense also stated that O'Keefe's injuries weren't consistent with being hit by a vehicle. Jordana Comiter, People.com, 30 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for consistent 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'consistent.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin consistent-, consistens, present participle of consistere "to come to a halt, remain at the same level, take up a position, reside, be composed of, be established (in a given state)" — more at consist entry 1

First Known Use

1638, in the meaning defined at sense 3

Time Traveler
The first known use of consistent was in 1638

Dictionary Entries Near consistent

Cite this Entry

“Consistent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/consistent. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

consistent

adjective
con·​sis·​tent kən-ˈsis-tənt How to pronounce consistent (audio)
1
: being in agreement or harmony
actions consistent with our policy
2
: being unchanging in behavior or beliefs
a consistent supporter
consistently adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on consistent

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!