adherence

noun

ad·​her·​ence ad-ˈhir-ən(t)s How to pronounce adherence (audio)
əd-
1
: the act, action, or quality of adhering
adherence of paint to wood
2
: steady or faithful attachment : fidelity
adherence to a political party

Examples of adherence in a Sentence

you'd think these refrigerator magnets would have better adherence—they fall off every time I open the door adherence to convention requires that the couple send out formal wedding invitations
Recent Examples on the Web This criterion ensured adherence to industry standards and regulations. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 With a profound grasp of accounting principles and tax regulations, Certified Public Accountants are invaluable advisors for navigating financial complexities and ensuring adherence to legal standards. Bryce Welker, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024 Regularly conduct comprehensive compliance audits, not just as a routine task but as a proactive measure to guarantee adherence to the highest standards. Mike Kijewski, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 This flexibility allows for strategic focus over adherence to strict deadlines, enabling teams to classify initiatives like 'Now,' 'Next,' and 'Later' for better planning and prioritization. Jon Stojan, USA TODAY, 25 Jan. 2024 At the end of last year, Shahnaz Habib talked at length about avoiding obsessive adherence to bucket lists and encouraged us all to be more intentional and thoughtful with our travels. Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 18 Jan. 2024 The dates of Lent vary each year due to its adherence to the liturgical calendar. Laura Daniella Sepulveda, The Arizona Republic, 17 Jan. 2024 Warren Seifert Gilroy Christie’s exit claims last decent Republican Farewell Chris Christie — the only decent candidate in the GOP field who boldly stood up to Donald Trump and demonstrated his adherence to our Constitution. Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 16 Jan. 2024 Though quantities are given, the three dishes in this menu don’t require strict adherence to a recipe. David Tanis, New York Times, 10 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'adherence.' 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

Middle English, borrowed from Anglo-French adherance, aerdaunce, aherdance "act of adhering, faction, supporters," borrowed from Medieval Latin adhaerentia, going back to Late Latin, "act of adhering," derivative of Latin adhaerent-, adhaerens, present participle of adhaerēre "to adhere"

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of adherence was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near adherence

Cite this Entry

“Adherence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/adherence. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

adherence

noun
ad·​her·​ence ad-ˈhir-ən(t)s How to pronounce adherence (audio)
əd-
1
: the action or quality of adhering
2
: steady or faithful attachment
adherence to the truth

More from Merriam-Webster on adherence

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